Delay in methane leak reporting

The European Commission has decided to push back by one year the start of a rule requiring companies to report methane leaks, a decision influenced by pressure from energy industry groups.

Industry pushes for more time

Energy companies have used the ongoing energy crisis as a reason to resist new regulations, requesting further delays and relaxed rules beyond the one-year postponement proposed by the Commission.

Environmental groups challenge claims

Fifty European environmental organizations, including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth France, argue that the methane leak regulation is not responsible for the current energy price increases or supply issues. They emphasize that the rule aims to address a significant environmental problem.

Methane’s climate impact

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has 80 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. It is estimated that 200 billion cubic meters of gas are lost annually due to leaks and other infrastructure issues, equivalent to two-thirds of the EU’s total gas use.

Existing regulations and future plans

A methane reporting requirement was introduced in 2024, with plans to monitor and quantify leaks starting in 2027. The one-year delay proposed by the European Commission must now be discussed by the European Council.

Industry seeks longer delay

While the Commission has proposed a one-year delay, the energy industry is pushing for a three-year postponement and additional regulatory changes, highlighting the ongoing tension between environmental goals and industry demands.