In order to move towards a cleaner and more efficient energy model, Pemex and IMP have initiated a strategic collaboration with the World Bank, focused on reducing methane gas emissions in the country’s energy industry. This alliance materialized in the workshop “Actions and proposals to develop a comprehensive methane emissions reduction program”, where experts from the three institutions work together to draw a clear roadmap.
What concrete actions are being planned?
The workshop is part of the international initiative Burning and Methane Reduction, led by the World Bank, and seeks to design strategies for:
- Find and accurately measure methane leaks in Pemex infrastructure (pipelines, platforms, refineries).
- Develop plans and technologies to repair leaks and prevent methane from escaping.
- In the oil productionoften releases associated natural gas. If there is no infrastructure to capture and utilize it, it is either flared (set on fire) or vented (released directly). Stopping this on a routine basis is a top priority.
Why now?
This collaboration is aligned with Mexico’s international commitments on climate change, as part of the Paris Agreement. To this end, Pemex has defined clear goals, such as achieving a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030 and completely eliminating routine gas flaring in exploration and production activities within the same timeframe.
Methane that is leaked or flared is a valuable product that is wasted, so capturing and selling it would improve Pemex’s economic efficiency, making the energy sector more competitive. In addition, both Pemex and the Mexican government are seeking to strengthen their image as environmentally responsible players in the eyes of investors and the international community.
Towards a more responsible industry
It is important to remember that when methane (CH₄) is released into the atmosphere, either by leaking equipment or by being intentionally burned, it is a much more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the short term. Therefore, reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to combat climate change.
This joint effort reaffirms the role of Pemex and IMP, as well as the World Bank, in the transformation of the energy sector. With a vision aligned with international trends, their collaborative work represents a firm step towards a more responsible, safe and sustainable energy industry, both for Mexico and the global context.
Source: Pemex