The International Energy Agency warned that methane emissions from the energy sector remain close to historic levels, highlighting a significant gap between climate commitments and their effective implementation.
According to the Global Methane Tracker 2026 report, despite regulatory progress in some countries, no sustained decline is observed at the global level.
Currently, more than half of global oil and gas production is covered by methane-reduction commitments. However, the lack of effective execution limits the real impact of these initiatives, underscoring structural challenges in energy policies and regulatory frameworks.
The report also highlights that approximately 70% of fossil-fuel methane emissions are concentrated in just ten countries. This uneven distribution underscores the need for targeted action among the main emitters to achieve significant short-term reductions.
Mitigating methane emissions: a strategic opportunity
Beyond the climate impact, methane reduction represents a direct opportunity to increase the availability of natural gas. According to the IEA, implementing mitigation measures could free up to 200 billion cubic meters of gas per year globally.
In the short term, specific actions in exporting and importing countries would allow nearly 15 bcm of additional gas to be brought to market quickly. In the long term, reducing emissions in oil and gas operations could contribute up to 100 bcm annually, complemented by another 100 bcm from eliminating routine flaring.
This potential is particularly relevant in the current context, where geopolitical volatility has affected energy supply. Optimizing existing resources through emissions control is positioned as a strategic solution that can be implemented quickly.
Crisis in Hormuz and pressure on global supply
The IEA’s analysis comes in a context marked by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where recent disruptions have affected nearly 20% of global liquefied natural gas supply. This situation has intensified the urgency of finding alternative sources of supply.
Methane reduction emerges as a viable technical response to offset part of these losses. According to the report, recoverable volumes through mitigation could double the impact of the disruptions observed at this strategic chokepoint.
In this scenario, energy security is no longer solely a matter of production and is directly linked to operational efficiency. Minimizing losses in existing systems becomes a strategic priority to stabilize markets.
Technology, regulation, and monitoring as catalysts
The report underscores that nearly 70% of methane emissions can be mitigated with existing technologies, many of them at net-zero cost or even with economic benefits under current market conditions. This includes solutions applicable to exploration and production, which account for 80% of emissions in oil and gas.
Advances in satellite monitoring have transformed detection capabilities, enabling emissions to be identified in near real time. Joint initiatives with bodies such as the International Methane Emissions Observatory strengthen transparency and the responsiveness of governments and operators.
Finally, the IEA notes that the development of low-methane-intensity fuel markets and the implementation of stricter regulations will be decisive. Countries such as Canada and members of the European Union are already moving in this direction, setting a trend toward more demanding standards in the energy industry.
Source and photo: https://www.iea.org/