TotalEnergies to collaborate on qualification of methane emissions

French major TotalEnergies said May 24 it would collaborate with Colorado State University (CSU) to develop an international protocol for the qualification of methane emissions measurements.

The two have already worked together on Transverse Anomaly Detection Initiatives (TADI), recognised by the US Department of Energy and the EC’s Directorate-General for Energy as world references for the qualification of methane emission quantification technologies.

Now they will use their platforms to develop protocols to certify the accuracy, detection limits, and operational restrictions of measurement methods used for methane accounting and develop a method for estimating annual methane emissions from point measurements.

“TotalEnergies is committed to reducing methane emissions in line with its target of reducing them by 80% by 2030, as compared to 2020, which requires an accurate quantification of these emissions,” said Marie-Noelle Semeria, chief technology officer at TotalEnergies. “Defining a standard that certifies the accuracy of measurements and compare measurements between equipment and continents is a must.”

Daniel Zimmerle, director of CSU’s Methane Emission Technology Evaluation Center, said there is currently no international standard to ensure the global viability of emissions measurements and reporting.

“There is a clear need for international engagement on methane measurement and reporting methods,” he said. “It’s required if measurement results will be broadly accepted.”