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Canada Joins International Effort to Cut Methane Emissions
Release Date: 07/14/2005
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(Washington, D.C.-July 14, 2005) Today, Canada is joining 15 other nations to cut emissions of the powerful greenhouse gas, methane, by using it to generate heat and power rather than letting it escape into the atmosphere. On July 14, Canada became the 16th member of the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international initiative that promotes the recovery and use of methane, prevents greenhouse gas emissions, and provides valuable sources of clean energy to communities, businesses and industry.
"An innovative program like Methane to Markets is a model for future environmental solutions because it takes a great idea, adds new technology and promotes international cooperation," said EPA Administrator Steve Johnson. "The world will benefit from Canada's expertise and participation in this program."
"By participating in this exciting international initiative, Canada will have the opportunity to promote and market Canadian expertise in the area of methane-emissions-reducing technologies, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Canadian Minister of the Environment Stéphane Dion added: Our participation in the Methane to Markets Partnership demonstrates Canada's commitment to both technology transfer and technology deployment as a way of achieving global greenhouse gas reductions."
By 2015 the Methane to Markets Partnership has the potential to deliver annual reductions in methane emissions of up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent or recovery of 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas. If these projections are achieved, they could stabilize or reduce global atmospheric concentrations of methane. This would be equivalent to cutting the greenhouse gas emissions of 33 million cars, planting 55 million acres of trees, or eliminating emissions from 50 500 megawatt coal-fired power plants; or providing enough energy to heat approximately 7.2 million households for one year.
The Methane to Markets Partnership currently targets three major sources of methane -- landfills, underground coal mines, and natural gas and oil systems. The partnership is a collaboration between a growing number of partners in developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition. Project Network Partners come from the private sector, development banks, researchers, and other organizations.
In addition to Canada, countries participating in Methane to Markets include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
To learn more about Methane to Markets, or to join as either a country Partner or as a Project Network Partner, visit: https://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/
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