LETTER | In the race against climate change, an urgent new focus has emerged: methane emissions.

This potent greenhouse gas, responsible for over 25 percent of global warming, has brought the oil and gas (O&G) sector into the spotlight as one of the major contributors worldwide.

Yet, one significant challenge looms: accurately measuring methane emissions, the critical first step towards effective climate mitigation.

While carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere determine the extent of global warming, methane plays a pivotal role in how quickly we reach those elevated temperatures.

Effectively curbing methane emissions can lead to rapid atmospheric responses and a noticeable impact on warming within the next decade.

To address this, a groundbreaking initiative is underway in Malaysia, bridging the gaps in quantifying methane emissions.

Led by experts from top Malaysian universities and supported by the global climate non-profit, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), this collaborative effort aims to provide essential data for well-informed decision-making on methane management strategies through data gathering, mitigation technology analysis, and cost computation.

Despite the existence of advanced detection technologies, precisely quantifying methane emissions remains challenging. Existing datasets, including government reports, often rely on less complex methodologies, leading to significant uncertainties.

In addition, transparency in emissions reporting and data sharing is limited.

Matthew Ashfold, associate professor at the School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, compared publicly available emission data from sources including the Malaysian government and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

His analysis revealed a significant discrepancy, especially within the O&G sector.

“When we compare the different datasets, there is quite a big range,” he said.

For example, government data attributes 57 percent of emissions to oil production venting, while the IEA estimates 27 percent from both oil and gas venting.

These differences, arising from varying methodologies, highlight the need for more scientific research and enhanced monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) practices to attain higher-quality data.

MRV is a multi-step process to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions for independent third-party verification.

How much will it cost?

To tackle pressing cost-related questions, associate professor Viknesh Andiappan and his team at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak are developing a marginal abatement cost curve for methane emissions.

“This comprehensive tool will help policymakers make informed decisions on methane reduction investments by providing a range of cost-effective options,” he said.

Expected to be completed next year, the tool will offer insights into cost implications and technology requirements.

In addition to data accuracy, technological challenges in measuring methane emissions, particularly in tropical regions like Malaysia, are also being addressed.

Yusri Yusup, associate professor in meteorology, atmospheric science, and environmental engineering at the School of Industrial Technology, leads a team from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and collaborates with experts from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

They are exploring innovative measurement methods, incorporating an Internet of Things platform, low-cost sensors, and drones to enhance the cost-effectiveness, reliability, and portability of methane measurement.

“While satellites provide global-scale coverage, measuring methane in tropical regions, such as Malaysia, faces challenges due to cloud cover and water vapour,” Yusri explained.

Although drones can access remote locations, weather conditions and propeller interference affect data gathering. These obstacles are under rigorous testing.

“It is still a promising way of using drones; if you have drone technology, you can go anywhere,” he reiterated.

GMP impact

Malaysia's commitment to methane reduction is highlighted by its participation in the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

However, a specific national plan targeting methane reduction is lacking. Furthermore, the availability of data, and transparency in data reporting are limited.

Helena Varkey, associate professor of Environmental Politics and Governance at Universiti Malaya, and her team are evaluating the GMP's impact on Malaysia's methane emissions landscape, aiming to understand how government policies and industry measures can effectively collaborate to curb methane emissions.

She emphasised, “The country’s biggest opportunity for tackling methane emissions lies in the oil and gas and palm oil industries.

“As a global leader in these sectors, Malaysia has the potential to be a champion in methane management. However, accurate and transparent reporting is key.”

Her team aims to provide recommendations on data collection, policy alignment, and emission reduction strategies through an upcoming policy paper.

As a developing country signatory to the GMP, Malaysia is expected to commit to comprehensive domestic actions to reduce methane emissions.

Shareen Yawanarajah, EDF's director of global energy transition is confident that the efforts of local researchers and accurate measurement-based emissions data can result in tangible methane reduction.

“By developing a national methane reduction plan based on appropriate policy instruments and measurement-based emissions data, Malaysia can accelerate and track progress towards meeting its decarbonisation goals,” she said.

“The work of local researchers, data sharing and collaborative efforts between all stakeholders is critical if Malaysia is to contribute significantly to global climate change mitigation efforts,” she added.

SCIENCE MEDIA CENTRE MALAYSIA is an independent resource centre under the auspices of the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre which aims to provide evidence-based information to support local journalists to report on complex or controversial science issues that make the headlines.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.