Methane emissions from U.S. and Canadian natural gas systems appear larger than official estimates. Natural gas (NG) is a potential “bridge fuel” during transition to a decarbonized energy system: It emits less carbon dioxide during combustion than other fossil fuels and can be used in many industries. However, because of the high global warming potential of methane (CH4, the major component of NG), climate benefits from NG use depend on system leakage rates. Some recent estimates of leakage have challenged the benefits of switching from coal to NG, a large near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunity (1–3). Also, global atmospheric CH4 concentrations are on the rise, with the causes still poorly understood (4).

Methane emissions from U.S. and Canadian natural gas systems appear larger than official estimates, challenging the benefits of switching from coal to NG for greenhouse gas reduction.

Paper

Methane Leaks from North American Natural Gas Systems

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