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Coal Mines Leak Methane: Reporting Lags
29 Apr
Summary
- Most coal-producing nations do not report methane emissions.
- Untapped, low-cost opportunities exist to cut methane.
- China accounts for most global coal mine methane releases.
Nations that do not report their coal mine methane emissions may be missing out on cost-effective ways to reduce this potent greenhouse gas. In 2023, only 23 of the 73 coal-producing countries submitted data on these emissions to the United Nations, accounting for just 11% of the estimated 35 million metric tons released.
Experts emphasize that measuring emissions is crucial for mitigation. Technologies are available to drain and utilize methane from mines as an energy source or burn it into less harmful carbon dioxide. Approximately half of these emissions could be eliminated this decade using these low-cost methods, according to Ember's analysis.
Despite a recent decrease in emissions per unit of coal produced, this is largely attributed to shifts in production locations and reporting methods rather than widespread abatement efforts. Seven countries, led by China (76%), are the primary sources of coal mine methane releases globally.
