KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 – PETRONAS, in partnership with ASEAN energy operators, governmental agencies, and international organizations, has launched the ASEAN Energy Sector Methane Leadership Program (MLP) and announced flagship projects for methane abatement in collaboration with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The announcement was made during the Methane High-Level session on June 26 at the Energy Asia 2023 conference held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC), emphasized the importance of ASEAN’s collective effort in addressing methane emissions, stating, “I am particularly heartened to learn of the private sector’s collaborative efforts through the Methane Leadership Program. Human capital will play a crucial role in helping Malaysia achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Global Methane Pledge, which aligns well with the goals of the Paris Agreement.”
The ASEAN Energy Sector Methane Roundtable was established in October 2021 to promote collaboration on methane emissions management in the oil and gas sector. Through regular roundtable discussions, the importance of upskilling practitioners in the sector and the need for cost-effective solutions for methane emissions abatement were recognized. The launch of the ASEAN Energy Sector Methane Leadership Program (MLP) marks a significant milestone in this ongoing engagement.
This 18-month initiative, delivered through masterclasses and workshops, aims to strengthen the capacity and capability of ASEAN energy companies in developing plans, targets, and financing options for methane emissions reduction. The MLP supports the Global Methane Pledge, which has been signed by 150 countries. It provides a platform for the ASEAN oil and gas industry to take practical action, raise awareness, inspire others, and promote greater accountability among all stakeholders.
Tengku Muhammad Taufik, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of PETRONAS, described the collaboration as a momentous milestone, highlighting the collective leadership and commitment to managing methane emissions effectively across the ASEAN region. Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Energy, acknowledged the regional commitment to methane emission reduction goals, stating, “This initiative demonstrates the region’s dedication to the Global Methane Pledge and how multilateral support, leveraging global best practices, can provide expertise and financing to help reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030.”
The partners involved in the MLP include ASEAN Centre of Energy (ACE), ASEAN Council on Petroleum (ASCOPE), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), Methane Guiding Principles (MGP), PERTAMINA, PETRONAS, PTTEP, The World Bank, United Nations Environment Programme International Methane Emissions Observatory (UNEP IMEO), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), United States Department of Energy, and United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
PETRONAS and JOGMEC also announced their collaboration on methane abatement flagship projects, which include methane quantification surveys, solutions for achieving zero routine flaring, and potential future collaboration on an electrification hub. These projects align with Malaysia’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, PETRONAS’ commitments to the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring initiative by 2030, and the UNEP Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0).
The Methane Program is a key focus at the Energy Asia 2023 conference, which includes the fourth ASEAN Energy Sector Methane Roundtable on June 27. The MLP will commence immediately with a TechnicalWorkshop on ASEAN Deep Dive on Methane Emissions Management, co-hosted by PETRONAS, USAID, and EDF from June 27 to 28, in conjunction with Energy Asia.
The Methane Program at Energy Asia represents a significant step towards stronger international collaboration in methane abatement. It aims to empower ASEAN companies to reduce methane emissions through regional project collaboration, financing, and knowledge sharing on conducive policies and regulations, while encouraging the sharing of best practices. This initiative highlights PETRONAS’ commitment to environmental sustainability and its dedication to addressing climate change by actively reducing methane emissions in the energy sector.
