Objective

Methane to Markets is a multilateral partnership, the purpose of which is to reduce global methane emissions to enhance economic growth, promote energy security, improve the envi­ronment, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Other bene­fits include improving mine safety, reducing waste, and improving local air quality. The initiative focuses on promoting cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. The Partnership is a collaboration between developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition—together with strong participation from the private sector. The Methane to Markets Partnership targets four major methane sources: animal waste manage­ment, coal mines, landfills, and natural gas and oil systems.

Background

Methane, the primary component of natural gas, accounts for 16% of all greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities. Because methane is both a potent greenhouse gas and short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, achieving signifi­cant reductions would have a rapid impact on atmospheric warming.

Expected Energy, Environmental and Greenhouse Gas Results

The Partnership has the potential to deliver by 2015 annual reductions in methane emissions of up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent or recovery of 500 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas. These reductions, if achieved, could lead to stabilized or even declining levels of global atmospheric concentrations of methane. To give a sense of scale, this would be equivalent to:

• Annual emissions of 33 million vehicles
• Planting 55 million acres of trees, or
• Emissions from fifty 500-megawatt coal fired power plants

Partnership Actions

On November 16,2004, fourteen Partner coun­tries signed a Terms of Reference document that outlines the pur­pose, organization, and functions of the Partnership. The core activities of the Partnership are to:

• Identify and promote areas of bilateral, multilateral, and pri­vate sector collabo­ ration on methane recovery and use
  Develop improved emissions estimates and identify the largest relevant emission sources to facili­tate project development

• Identify cost-effective opportunities to recover methane emissions for energy production and potential financing mechanisms to encourage investment
• Identify and address barriers to project development and improve the legal, regulatory, financial, institutional, technological, and other conditions necessary to attract investment in methane recovery and utilization projects
• Identify and implement collaborative projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to methane recovery
• Foster cooperation with the private sector, research organizations, development banks, and other relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations Support identification and deployment of best manage­ment practices in the recovery and use of methane

• Develop collaborative action plans that outline a series of concrete activities and actions directly supporting the Partnership’s core goals and functions
• Develop and implement a process for evaluating progress and reporting results

International Partners

Methane to Markets serves as a framework to promote cost-effective, near-term methane recovery internationally through partnerships among developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition in coordination with the private sector, researchers, multilateral development banks, and other non-governmental organizations.

For a current list of government partners, visit web site at www.methanetomarkets.org

Private Sector Involvement

The Partnership includes a Project Network that facilitates communication, project development and implementation, and private sector involvement. This Network assists with reaching out to and organizing the efforts of the private sector, the research community, development banks, and other govern­mental and non-governmental organizations with interests and expertise in methane recovery and use. Active involvement by the members of the Project Network is essential to build capacity, transfer technology, and promote private direct investment that will ensure the Partnership’s success.

A current list of organizations in the Project Network is available on our web site.

For additional information, please visit the Methane to Markets Partnership web site at www.methanetomarkets.org