This informative two day event focused on various aspects of reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations such as: Regulation development, resources and opportunities available to industry, as well as, detection, quantification and mitigation/control technologies used to address targeted emission source areas.
This forum discussed current and future challenges facing the Canadian oil and gas industry related to 2025 methane emissions reductions targets and, in exploring this critical issue, the forum also took a closer look at the current state of emissions reduction opportunities as well as the challenges and opportunities available to support technology innovation and new practices.
Thank you to the 2018 forum sponsors
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5+ interesting learnings from the Methane Emissions Reduction Forum
The Methane Emissions Reduction Forum wrapped up in Banff after two days of industry excitement. This inaugural, methane-specific event informed – and we hope, inspired – attendees with actionable stories of industry leaders empowering their business while reducing methane emissions.
A sold-out event, more than 200 participants joined from around the world.
Participants included key stakeholders from academia to regulatory bodies and producers to R&D.
During keynote speeches, panel sessions, and presentations, energy industry experts highlighted the status of provincial and federal regulations, encouraged collaboration among organizations, and discussed how businesses are operating with agility in efforts to reach Alberta’s Climate Change Leadership Plan targets of reducing methane emissions by 45 percent before 2025.
Major themes at the event included:
Articulating challenges associated with deployment
While every takeaway was equally important and interesting, we’ve picked our five favorite learnings from the event.
We are already making a difference in reducing GHG emissions
In June of this year, CAPP released their report “Competitive Climate Policy: Supporting Investment and Innovation”. Inside it explains how the Canadian oil and natural gas sector can be internationally competitive while reducing global GHG emissions. Additionally, the study makes key recommendations in investing in technology and innovation, but the most exciting finding is regarding Canada’s progress in reducing flaring and venting:
While emission levels between 2014 and 2015 have remained relatively the same, they’re roughly 60% less than 2005 emissions and there continues to be considerable activity since publishing the report.
Money back energy
It’s been a busy year for Energy Efficiency Alberta (EEA) and energy efficiency across Alberta.
The energy efficiency agency recently released its first annual report, sharing how Albertans have benefitted from programs throughout the province in the previous fiscal year.
Over 113,000 households received energy-efficiency upgrades through EEA’s Residential No-Charge Energy Savings Program.
Overall, in the past year, Alberta has invested $96.3 million in programs delivering a net savings of $334 million. This means that for every $1 invested in energy efficiency products and programs, Albertans are saving more than $3.
Like unicorns, optimal LDAR frequency is a myth
Building a diverse environmental compliance program that covers the current regulatory requirements can be rather daunting. Thankfully, there are new technologies that can survey facilities quickly.
When it comes to Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) monitoring frequency, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all optimal frequency (monthly, quarterly, semiannually, annually, etc.). But there are certain simple steps to help your company find what works best:
Step 1: Pick a mitigation target
Step 2: Choose a given technology and method to use
Step 3: Calculate the costs associated with the new technology and LDAR frequency
Remember that the ratio of cost to emissions reduction is a key metric for gauging alternative LDAR. So repeat step three to test various combinations of technology and frequency in order to find which one works best for the chosen location and target.
The secret 5th hose connection type
It’s no secret that a lot of compressor sites are decades old. Some have even been around since the 1960’s. This leaves a variety of exhaust vents difficult to connect to.
Often, field techs must fix on the fly…. Only using whatever they have on hand.
While these “nonstandard” connections are rarely an issue due to low pressures, there’s a better option.
Thomas MacArthur, Engineering Manager at Calscan Solutions, recommends field techs always have the following:
NPT nipples, bushings, couplings in 1/4” 1/2” 3/4” 1” and 2” sizes
Gas-rated Teflon tape and thread sealant
Tube connections in 1/4” 3/8” 1/2” sizes
Quick connects to easily attach hoses
Rubber hoses 1” long
Rubber hoses 1/4” 1/2” 3/4” 1” 2” short
Hose clamps and adapters all sizes
Duct tape
Binder twine
MacArthur also suggests either carrying a $100K FLIR camera or soap and water… your choice.
Technology deployment at scale
It cannot be emphasized enough that the oil and gas industry can meet emission reduction targets. A great number of real-world applications and solutions can already be found in the field. We merely have to accelerate both the regulation and adoption processes. In fact, a 25 percent reduction in industry’s GHG footprint could occur if existing technologies were implemented today across industry.
The good news is, along with great solutions on hand, there are already processes in place to support initiatives.
Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is focused on working with all stakeholders, including Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), to ensure that regulations are not a barrier to deployment for projects.
Sean Hiebert, Senior Technical Advisor at the AER stated the provincial regulator expects to have protocols installed in late 2019 and stressed that the AER does not want to stifle innovation, but rather understands that “collaboration is the key to success”.
Joy Romero, Vice-President Technology and Innovation for Canadian Natural Resources Limited, emphasized the need for collaboration; reminding attendees that we are part of a global energy system. Thus, the industry “needs to utilize and market Canadian products globally.”
By collaborating and sharing successful projects with one another, innovators are able to continue developing their concepts – on a local, and global, scale. After all, until technologies are commercialized, change simply cannot occur.
BONUS: Greg Unrau – eradicating carbon one YouTube video at a time
When given more information, people can effect change
A main theme throughout the forum was the need for transparency and information.
Whether it’s input from field operators specifically or calling for discussions on best practices – when people are armed with proper information, we know we can reach the 45 percent emission target.
If you joined us for the forum, we hope you had a great time! Please help us make next year’s event even better by completing the post-event survey and share your feedback.
If you’re interested in learning more about PTAC and its initiatives, you may sign up for our free newsletter. Additionally, speaker presentations are available to view, linked to each speaker in the “agenda” tab.
And thank you to all our sponsors. Without you, our event wouldn’t have been possible.
By ptac_adm|2018-12-07T14:44:31-07:00November 27th, 2018|Comments Off on 2018 Methane Emissions Reduction Forum – Merging Science, Policy and Technology
