Methane News: Perspective on COP29 and Takeaways from OIES Gas Research Programme

On November 6, 2025, the US saw a political comeback by Donald J. Trump as he won the U.S. presidential election, securing a second term in office after a closely contested race. While climate change did not play much of a role in this year's campaign, President-elect Trump’s actions in the next few years are likely to determine the state of methane mitigation in the U.S.  

In a recent statement, Executive Director Armond Cohen from Clean Air Task Force said that ‘Clean energy, innovation, clean air, and climate action are broadly popular across the country, and they can and must progress regardless of who sits in the White House.’ (Source: Clean Air Task Force)

Learn more about the state of methane regulation in the U.S. with our special report featuring exclusive insights for the oil and gas industry: Dissecting the U.S. Methane Regulation Landscape

As COP29 kicks off this week, methane will once again be in focus as representatives from over 190 countries gather to discuss the urgent issue of methane pollution. In this month’s edition of Methane News, we’ll share exclusive insights on what to expect at COP29, along with news stories from industry leaders and associations working toward change in the energy sector.

#1 What to Expect at COP29

Next week, COP29 begins in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a key focus on finance, as trillions of dollars are needed for countries to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives and livelihoods from the escalating impacts of climate change. The conference will also serve as an important opportunity for countries to present their updated national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, due by early 2025. (Source: United Nations)

This year, Azerbaijan, a major exporter of gas, signed on to the flagship Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions and will put forward a new international commitment to reduce methane from organic waste. (Source: Bloomberg)

Despite significant commitments made at prior COPs, recent analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that methane emissions are still on the rise, especially in the U.S. oil and gas sector. This trend highlights the critical need for effective strategies to curb emissions. (Source: IEA)

At COP29, countries will need to advance tangible actions that build on the foundations established in previous years. The recent surge of regulations in the U.S., Canada, and the EU is laying the groundwork for additional efforts from key producing countries in Central Asia, South America, and the Middle East.

Additionally, Turkmenistan is set to announce its Methane Roadmap for 2025-2026, outlining a plan for the "radical modernization" of its oil and gas industry. The country has also joined the MARS program, part of the International Methane Emissions Observatory, aimed at detecting and mitigating large-scale emissions events. This move could signal even greater ambition from a country with an emissions intensity that remains notably high.

To bolster these efforts, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and Clean Air Task Force (CATF) recently launched the Fossil Fuel Regulatory Program, designed to help low- and middle-income countries take immediate action to reduce methane emissions in their oil, gas, and coal sectors. Ghana, Iraq, and Kazakhstan are the first nations to join the program, with several more expected to participate in the coming months. (Source: Clean Air Task Force)

#2 Energy Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean

Recently, the Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (Arpel) and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE) signed an agreement to cooperation agreement to promote sustainable energy development in the region.

“This agreement is a milestone in the consolidation of strategic alliances that seek to strengthen sustainable energy development in our region,” said Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of OLADE. “The cooperation between OLADE and Arpel will allow not only to enhance technical and institutional capacities but also to promote an energy transition approach that is inclusive and adapted to the specific needs of Latin America and the Caribbean,” added Rebolledo. (Source: ARPEL)

LISTEN: Episode 15: OLADE’s Role in Driving Methane Mitigation in Latin America

#3 Natural Gas Certification Under MiQ Standards

Commonwealth LNG and Kimmeridge Texas Gas (KTG), both backed by Kimmeridge, have announced a commitment to independently certify their natural gas operations following MiQ’s established emissions protocols, a recognized global standard for emissions certification. This initiative enables Kimmeridge to provide a "wellhead-to-water" net-zero cargo for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leveraging Kimmeridge’s secured LNG supply from Commonwealth’s facility. These steps emphasize Kimmeridge's commitment to environmental responsibility and position both companies as industry leaders in transparency and emissions reduction. (Source: MiQ)

The MiQ certification process will include a rigorous third-party audit of the natural gas operations for both companies, offering verified data on overall carbon emissions.

READ: How Northeast Natural Energy Achieved an “A” Grading from MiQ

#4 Takeaways from the OIES Gas Research Programme

Last week, the OIES Gas Research Programme shared key takeaways from their recent presentation 'The Impact of the EU Methane Regulation on LNG Contracts', part of the 'Methane Emissions: EU Methane Regulation & Consequences for LNG' webinar.

Key takeaways highlight that the EU Methane Regulation is having a measurable impact on LNG sales to the EU, with buyers beginning to take steps to ensure their contracts align with new regulatory requirements. Additionally, the absence of a direct contractual relationship between importers and producers could lead to significant consequences, especially when sellers are unable to fulfill commitments that are outside their control, among other concerns. View all the key takeaways here. (Source: OIES Gas Research Programme)

Hear more from industry leaders about the latest innovations, collaborations, and methane mitigation strategies at our upcoming events:

Methane Mitigation America Summit 
December 3-5, 2024 | Houston, TX 

Methane Mitigation Europe Summit
February 24-27, 2025 | Amsterdam

Methane Mitigation Technology & Innovation Summit
June 2-4, 2025 | Austin, TX