Coal Mine Methane Emissions Largely Overlooked in ASEAN

Highlights

28x Warming Effect

Methane has a warming effect of 28 times that of carbon dioxide, over 100-year time scale. The potential of methane emissions abatement to yield quick reductions whilst delivering air quality benefits has pushed global leaders to catalyse efforts in abating methane emissions.

6,700 MtCO₂e by 2050

ASEAN would still continue to rely on fossil fuels, including coal, up to 2050 as a means to achieve energy security. Energyrelated GHG emissions is therefore projected to reach 6,700 MtCO₂e by 2050, with methane accounting for 15.2% or up to 1,100 MtCO₂e.

Oil & Gas vs. Coal

Methane emissions abatement efforts and commitment in the energy (fossil fuel) sector is more intense and advanced in the oil and gas sector, compared to coal, despite studies showing that the latter emits as much methane emissions as oil and gas.

Challenges

The lag behind coal mine methane abatement efforts can be attributed to several challenges, including, the lack of transparency and absence of a robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system for coal mine methane emissions, lack of knowledge on the types and availability of abatement technologies, limited financing, and the lack of awareness and political commitment.