Best Practices for Minimizing Air Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Sector. Tomás Carbonell October 18, 2016

Transcription

1 Best Practices for Minimizing Air Pollution from the Oil and Natural Gas Sector Tomás Carbonell October 18, 2016

2 Climate Implications of Methane CH 4 causes ~25% of today s radiative forcing These GWP values exclude effects from climate-carbon feedbacks and CO 2 from CH 4 oxidation.

3 Oil & Gas industry is the largest U.S. source of CH 4 emissions (9.8 Tg/y) Jim Wilson

4

5 Overview of EDF s Methane Work Catalyzing scientific study of methane emissions Partnerships on innovative technologies Encouraging state leadership in reducing air pollution Common-sense federal policies to protect climate and public health

6 Catalyzing Science 16 Studies with ~100 Participants STUDY RESULTS THUS FAR: 5 common principles Led by academic scientists Employ multiple methods where possible Seek input from independent scientific experts Make all data public to ensure transparency Publish results in peerreviewed journals

7 EDF Methane Studies 1. NOAA Denver- Julesburg 2. NOAA Barnett 3. Coordinated Campaign 12 papers Barnett synthesis 4. UT Phase 1 5. UT Phase 2 Pneumatics Liquid Unloadings 6. HARC/EPA 7. CSU Study Methods Measurements National Scale-up 8. CSU Study Measurements National Scale-up 9. Methane Mapping 10. Boston Study 13. WVU Study 11. WSU Multi-City 12. Indianapolis Study 14. Pilot Projects 15. Gap Filling Abandoned Wells Helicopter IR Survey 16. Project Synthesis Results public Submitted, not yet public

8 Cost-effective reductions using existing technologies ICF (2014): 40% reduction in onshore emissions achievable in 2018, at cost of $0.01/Mcf

9 Leveraging high-impact mitigation opportunities Nearly 90% of reductions identified by ICF come from five opportunities: 1. LDAR (1,000,000 Mg CH 4 ) 2. Pneumatics (920,000 Mg) 3. Compressors (540,000 Mg) 4. Oil wells (290,000 Mg) 5. Unloading (30,000 Mg)

10 Key lessons from EDF studies Oil and natural gas emissions are potentially much higher than bottom up inventories Barnett Shale: actual emissions 90% higher than GHGI Emissions are heterogeneous Super-emitters associated with unpredictable malfunctions Regular, comprehensive monitoring and repair is essential Existing infrastructure has to be part of the solution 90% of emissions in 2018 will come from pre-2012 facilities High-impact, cost-effective solutions exist

11 Methane Detectors Challenge Demand Buy and Use Market Maker Convene and Catalyze Supply Innovate Colorado start-up Colorado academic Chinese coal mine safety co. Swedish sensor co. Advise and more

12 State leadership Major energy-producing states taking action to reduce emissions: Colorado Wyoming California Pennsylvania Ohio Benefits: Public health, safety benefits Cost-effective compliance with air quality standards Enhanced production, royalties

13 Federal policy developments Methane standards under section 111 of the CAA Nationwide standards for new, modified sources Leak detection and repair at wells, compressor stations Storage vessel emissions Pneumatic controllers and pumps Compressors Well completions Process for establishing standards for existing sources Control Techniques Guidelines Venting and Flaring Standards on Federal Lands Innovation

14 Thank you Tomás Carbonell Director of Regulatory Policy and Lead Attorney Climate and Energy, Legal and Regulatory Program