‘Breakthrough’ as Turkmenistan starts fixing ‘mindboggling’ methane mega-leaks

Turkmenistan has started repairing significant methane leaks from its aging oil and gas infrastructure, a move celebrated as a breakthrough in tackling potent greenhouse gas emissions. This action follows revelations that the country was the worst offender for such leaks, leading to engagement with international partners and the UN’s Methane Alert and Response System (Mars). While eight leaks have been fixed, much more work is needed, though response rates are reportedly growing.

• Turkmenistan has begun fixing major methane leaks from its oil and gas facilities, an action deemed a significant breakthrough.
• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping 80 times more heat than CO2 and contributing significantly to global heating.
• The country was revealed as the worst for methane mega-leaks in 2023, prompting engagement with foreign partners and the UN.
• Eight leaks have been repaired by fixing corroded pipes, faulty wells, and failing flares.
• The UN Methane Alert and Response System (Mars) sent 192 alerts to Turkmenistan in the last year, with the country responding to about 20%.
• The US, Iran, Russia, and China have failed to respond to Mars alerts.
• Mexico has a 100% response rate to Mars alerts but has yet to complete a fix for a large offshore leak.
• Turkmenistan joined the global methane pledge in December 2023 and has been a major supplier of gas to China.
• Kazakhstan has also stopped eight leaks, with a smaller overall number of alerts.
• Stemming methane emissions is considered the quickest and most cost-effective method to reduce climate pollution.
  https://uk.layer3.press/articles/1cff83a6-200c-4d76-88fa-957dbf645fa7