Transmission system operators (TSOs) are aware of their responsibility for climate protection. Avoiding and/or continuously reducing methane emissions is a key objective for us. To this end, the TSOs have been investing in measures to reduce methane emissions for years.
Methane emissions from the upstream chain of oil and gas consumption account for 0.57 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Germany, while approx. 0.035 percent is attributable to the transportation of natural gas through the FNB pipeline network. [1]
FNB has been working continuously for decades to reduce methane emissions for the purposes of climate protection, technical safety and economic efficiency.
Between 1990 and 2022, methane emissions in Germany were reduced by 66 percent across the industry, even though the grid was expanded further. Fugitive methane emissions from fuels have even fallen by 95 percent since 1990. [2] Numerous measures to reduce operational and fugitive or diffuse emissions during scheduled repairs, such as the use of pump-over compressors, etc., have contributed to this.
[1] UBA, 2023
[2] UBA, NIR 2024, p. 62, p. 128
Central to a successful reduction of fugitive methane emissions are precise, comparable, and reproducible data on where and how they occur in the widely ramified network. More regular measurements beyond the technical requirements allow TSOs to identify and eliminate emission sources earlier.
The TSOs launched a pilot project in 2020 and completed it in the summer of 2021 to bring more transparency to the database of emission values. As part of this measurement initiative, the most comprehensive coordinated measurement of methane emissions in the German gas pipeline network to date, diffuse methane emissions were systematically recorded for the first time, particularly at shut-off and compressor stations. The second measurement initiative, which followed in 2022, focused on gas pressure and measurement systems as well as biogas feed-in systems. In total, more than 200,000 potential methane leakage points were investigated in both measurement initiatives.
The measurement initiative is delivering important results that will be seamlessly integrated and reported on in the various international initiatives. All individual measurements were carried out according to the international DIN EN 15446 standard.
Of the more than 200,000 measuring points examined in 2020 and 2022 as part of the two measurement initiatives, only 499, or 0.26 percent, showed emissions above the metrological detection limit. A total of 99.74 percent of the measuring points examined by the measuring initiatives were inconspicuous.
Additional high-flow sampling at the main emission sources determined by the DIN method (404 measuring points = 0.9 percent of all measuring points) further specifies the measured values. This makes it possible to make much more reliable statements about methane emissions.
The measurements were carried out by “The Sniffers” – an independent, internationally renowned specialist service provider for emission measurements, also used by NGOs.
The reliability of the measurement results is guaranteed by tested LDAR methods according to DIN EN 15446 and additional high-flow sampling.
To verify the individual measurements, additional measurements were carried out using a drone flight as an additional control instrument.
TSOs have been working continuously for decades to reduce methane emissions. The primary objectives are climate protection and maintaining technical safety and economic efficiency. The TSOs invests several million euros in this every year.
Since 2015, the gas industry in Germany has reduced methane emissions by more than 50 per cent, even though the network has been further expanded. This success is due to numerous measures.
Fugitive emissions are mainly caused by accidental leaks, which are recognised through regular inspections and rectified as quickly as possible. The time it takes to rectify them depends on factors such as accessibility and the availability of spare parts. Operational emissions result from the design of the processes, such as process gas chromatographs, through which gas flows continuously. Technical solutions are used here to reduce these emissions.
More and more recompression units are being installed at compressor stations and gas pressure regulating and measuring systems to pump operational emissions back into the pipeline network. In addition, alternative technologies for avoiding emissions are being continuously developed. During maintenance work on large pipelines, the gas is pumped into neighbouring sections using mobile compressors after the pipeline pressure has been lowered in order to avoid methane emissions. The physically unavoidable residual gas is burnt in a controlled manner using a flare, which produces ten times less CO2 than emitting methane.
These comprehensive measures contribute significantly to the reduction of methane emissions and demonstrate the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The FNB will continue the joint measurement initiatives and turn them into a continuous process. The results will give us precise indications of where we can take targeted measures. We will also further intensify our dialogue and joint activities.
For the future, the TSOs are clearly and decisively focussing on the transport of climate-neutral and low-carbon hydrogen and other green gases.
We support the climate targets of the European Union.
Both individually and collectively, TSOs are involved in the relevant industry initiatives of GIE, ENTSO-G, Eurogas, Marcogaz.
Through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership(OGMP), an initiative of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition under the umbrella of the United Nations Environment Programme, TSOs are working with stakeholders in other parts of the value chain and world to work towards appropriate action to reduce methane emissions. The Methane Guiding Principles form the basis for these initiatives and our actions.
In the initiatives, the industry is working on standardised recording and sustainable reduction of methane emissions.
We welcome the EU strategy to reduce methane emissions adopted in 2020 and support the development of Europe-wide standards for measurement methods (MRV – Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) as a basis for transparency and comparability. The same applies to the implementation of LDAR (Leak, Detection, and Repair) measures, which are essential for reducing methane emissions.
On 30 March 2025, the European Commission’s Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on the reduction of methane emissions from the energy sector entered into force. It represents an important milestone in the recording, reporting and reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector.
