The Department of Energy (DOE) has outlined its strategy for advancing sustainable natural gas during the DGCC Load Growth Market Workshop. The focus remains on reducing methane emissions, deploying decarbonization technologies, and laying a foundation for low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen production.
Efforts to achieve near-zero methane emissions by 2030 are central to DOE's plans. "Reducing methane emissions to near zero across the global oil and gas supply chain by 2030" is a key goal, emphasized during the workshop. Additionally, there is an emphasis on rapidly deploying carbon capture and storage technologies.
As electricity demand rises due to AI-driven data center growth, natural gas power generation with carbon capture becomes increasingly important. The DOE supports this through initiatives like two commercial-scale carbon capture demonstrations in California and Texas.
Despite progress, challenges remain in commercializing post-combustion capture in power generation. The DOE acknowledges that "we are years behind where we ought to be," but sees potential through partnerships with tech companies and enhanced tax credits under recent legislation.
Methane emission reduction remains urgent. DOE's collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency aims at achieving near-zero emissions by 2030. Significant funds have been allocated to support state efforts in identifying and mitigating high methane-emitting wells.
On a global scale, efforts include supporting international frameworks for measuring greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas supply chains. This includes engaging with countries like those in East Asia and regions like Southeast Asia in addressing methane management.
A new Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) framework is under development by a Working Group comprising 19 countries plus other stakeholders. This voluntary framework will provide comparable information on greenhouse gas emissions without regulatory commitments.
The DOE emphasizes that continued commitment from companies to deploy carbon capture solutions is essential for transitioning toward cleaner energy sources like hydrogen and ammonia.
The workshop concluded with calls for ongoing engagement from stakeholders as efforts transition into future administrations.
