EnergyNewswatch

Methane Emissions Symposium

Live Streaming Online September 19-20, 2023

An EUCI Program

Click Here to register $1195

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all registrants for three business days after the event

 

The U.S. natural gas pipeline network consists of millions of miles of mainlines. It is a critical component of the energy infrastructure. Compared to other fossil fuels, natural gas is relatively clean. However, methane itself is a potent greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere.

Understanding the causes and impacts of methane leaks and exploring methods for detecting and mitigating these leaks gives companies actionable opportunities to address climate-related concerns and ensure a sustainable environmental future while boosting operational efficiency. 

EUCI’s Pipeline Methane Emissions Symposium gathers experts and stakeholders to address growing concerns over the impact of methane emissions.  Researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders will discuss scientific developments, policy initiatives and regulatory frameworks that support mitigating methane emissions. The symposium covers a range of topics related to LDAR, including technologies for measuring and monitoring emissions, and best practices for reducing emissions in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and waste management. Day One will cover all the nuances of new regulatory compliances, and Day Two will focus on technological and software innovations in the field.    

Register now for this unique opportunity to get regulatory updates and address new technologies in leak detection to further mitigate the threat fugitive emissions pose to the environment. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Review EPA regulations and compliances and PHMSA 2023 Advance Leak Regulation Program
  • Assess the Veritas Standard and voluntary initiatives like gas certification
  • Review regulatory standpoints on gas leak abatement programs
  • Examine a case study on successful methane abatement implementation
  • Examine five elements of an LDAR program, based on upstream and downstream operations
  • Review regiments for identifying, inventorying, maintaining, and monitoring components to LDAR requirements and the best processes for record keeping and compliance
  • Distinguish between different leak detection technologies and compare software to quantify methane leaks
  • Appraise best practices for identifying, inventorying, maintaining, and monitoring regulated components and equipment
  • Compare essential technological solutions in connection with methane emissions
  • Evaluate a comparative analysis of methane emissions & implications for mitigation from a national perspective

Agenda

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time

9:00– 10:00 a.m. :: Regulations and Compliance

The EPA is proposing to update, strengthen and expand its November 2021 proposal to reduce emissions of methane and other harmful air pollution from both new and existing oil and gas operations. In this session we will detail the current regulatory landscape and upcoming regulations and initiatives.

  • OOOOb/c
  • Recent NPRM: Super – Emitter Program, LDAR, well unloading, Compressor Stations
  • SIP/FIP: Actions and Notices

Michael Rabbani, Director, Standards and Certification, MiQ

10:00 – 11:00 a.m. :: California’s Natural Gas Leak Abatement Program

Regulators face a number of challenges when implementing methane emission reduction programs. Despite these challenges, large Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) in California are on track to achieve the state’s goals to reduce methane emissions by 40% by 2030. This presentation will provide a brief overview of California’s Natural Gas Leak Abatement program, as well as how approaches to these challenges have evolved over time. It will detail how the state has transitioned to a more accurate method of estimating emissions, as well as discuss questions of how to balance the benefits of emission reduction activities with their costs.

Gary Ermann, Utilities Engineer, Safety Policy Division, California Public Utilities Commission

11:00 – 11:15 a.m. :: Morning Break

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. :: Case Study: PG&E’s Methane Abatement Processes

Historically, methane emission assessments have been based on Emission Factors defined through empirical observations on limited data samples. PG&E has progressively evolved towards a measurement-based assessment of its distribution system to optimize, implement and characterize its abatement methods. In this session PG&E will present lessons learned along this 5-year transition.

Stephen Ramos, GHG Emission Strategies, Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Andres Beltran, GHG Emission Strategies, Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Francois Rongere, Senior Director, Solution Architect, Climate and Safety, Picarro

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. :: Lunch Break

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. :: Case Study: Methane Emission Reduction Program & Equipment to Address Blowdowns

Blowdown occurs when pressure needs to be released from equipment or pipelines for maintenance, safety, or operational reasons, resulting in the release of ethane-rich gas. To address the issue of emissions from blowdowns, many organizations have implemented reduction programs. This session will detail programs aimed to minimize methane leaks and releases by employing advanced equipment and implementing best practices in the industry.  One critical aspect of these programs is the deployment of specialized equipment designed to capture, control, and mitigate methane emissions during blowdown events.

Doug Sahm, CTO, ZEVAC

2:30 – 2:45 p.m. :: Afternoon Break

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. :: Case Study: Fugitive Emissions

Consolidated Edison will present a case study on I plan to high emission gas leak survey program which utilizes Advanced Leak Detection to locate leaks that have an emissions rate of >10scfh which are then put on an escalated repair schedule. This case study will discuss the company’s monthly leak survey program where they survey our entire gas system every month.

Robert Tremberger, Section Manager, Consolidated Edison

3:45 – 4:45 p.m. :: Panel Discussion: Challenges & Opportunities

This panel will bring together experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to explore the critical issues surrounding methane emissions and potential solutions for mitigating them. This discussion fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovative thinking in addressing pressing challenges of methane abatements. During the panel, participants will engage in a dynamic conversation about the challenges, technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, industry practices and the importance of private and public sectors collaboration.

Moderator:

Doug Sahm, CTO, ZEVAC

Panelists:

Michael Rabbani, Director, Standards and Certification, MiQ

Gary Ermann, Utilities Engineer, Safety Policy Division, California Public Utilities Commission

Stephen Ramos, GHG Emission Strategies, Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Andres Beltran, GHG Emission Strategies, Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Francois Rongere, Senior Director, Solution Architect, Climate and Safety, Picarro

Robert Tremberger, Section Manager, Consolidated Edison

4:45 – 5:00 p.m. :: Q&A and Open Discussion

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Central Time

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. :: Holistic Methane Reduction Programs: Everything Everywhere All at Once

This session covers evolving regulatory measures, such as the proposal by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), voluntary initiatives such as gas certification and the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0.

Accurate methane quantification is paramount in tracking emission reductions effectively and optimizing emissions management programs. Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) simulation and emission abatement roadmapping are essential tools in developing effective methane reduction strategies. Key topics include:

  • Advanced Leak Detection Programs in the May 2023 PHMSA proposal
  • Pipelines and voluntary initiatives like gas certification and OGMP 2.0
  • Methane quantification and the Veritas Standard
  • Streamlining EPA and PHMSA methane compliance obligations
  • LDAR simulation and emission reduction roadmapping

Molly Reyes, Director of Market Development, Highwoods Emissions Management

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. :: Morning Break

10:45 – 11:45 a.m. :: Use of Aerial Technologies to Develop and Track Emission Management Programs

The limitations of traditional ground-crew based approaches for detecting oil and gas sector methane emissions, along with the concurrent desire of operators to more efficiently and effectively detect and reduce their emissions has led to the development of advanced methane detection technologies. This session will describe how data generated by aerially deployed advanced methane detection technologies can aid in developing effective emissions management programs. We’ll discuss the different available methods and use cases such as prioritizing mitigation efforts, utilizing equipment identification to uncover systematic issues, and creating a long-term methane emissions reduction strategy.

Ryan Stewart, VP of Sales, Bridger Photonics

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Q&A Session

 

 

 


 
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