GTI Leading Efforts to Address Methane Emissions

Methane emissions is one of the global environmental issues being tackled by Gas Technology Institute (GTI). Through research and development (R&D) as well as education and training, GTI is working to enhance the environmental performance of the energy sector and contribute new greenhouse gas management solutions.

GTI’s R&D initiatives include improving assessment of fugitive emissions from natural gas systems, and developing tools, technologies, and methodologies for detection, quantification, prevention, and mitigation. These efforts support U.S. priorities to develop cost-efficient and effective ways to mitigate methane emissions from natural gas infrastructure and address near-term opportunities to reduce greenhouse gases. GTI recently received three contract awards from the Department of Energy (DOE) for this purpose:

• Under a $1.2 million DOE contract award, GTI and Jet Propulsion Laboratory will develop and test a high-efficiency integrated Methane Mitigation Thermoelectric Generator (MMTEG)/burner system in a field pilot for oil and gas field operations. The system will substitute air instead of natural gas as the operating fluid for pneumatic controllers, resulting in energy recovery and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• GTI along with AECOM, GHD Services, Inc., and WSU Laboratory for Atmospheric Research will conduct field campaigns to measure methane emissions from new and vintage plastic, plastic-lined steel, cast-iron pipes, and gas meter sets for industrial customers. The primary objective of this $1.1 million DOE project is to collect information on parameters that would allow further classification of pipeline and meter emission categories to improve the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) U.S. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory. This information helps operators prioritize the repair of leaks to maximize reduction of methane emissions.
• GTI and RTI International will serve as subcontractors to PPG Industries in a DOE-sponsored project to develop and demonstrate a system to provide remote monitoring of natural gas pipeline conditions and to provide early detection of factors that may lead to an unintended release of methane.

GTI is proud to host the third annual CH4 Connections conference, which promotes the open exchange of ideas from leading research experts, policymakers, and environmental advocates. Speakers will address current research on methane leakage, technologies to detect and reduce emissions, policy and regulatory options, and business implications and opportunities.

Participants at this year’s CH4 Connections will hear from the DOE, EPA, Environmental Defense Fund, New York State Public Service Commission, utilities, universities, national labs, the American Gas Association, and a panel highlighting international perspectives.

Tisha Shuller, an energy policy expert specializing in oil and gas, will be one of the featured keynote speakers at the event. She works as Strategic Advisor to Stanford University's Natural Gas Initiative, and speaks around the world on issues associated with energy development.

Another compelling keynote speaker, Sarah Dunham, is the Director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs, which includes EPA’s GHG Inventory and GHG Reporting Program.

You can learn more about the conference and registration at the CH4 page.