China Unveils Methane Reduction Plan Ahead of COP28 Climate Talks, Lacks Specific Targets

China's Methane Reduction Initiative Focuses on Monitoring and Supervision Systems, Zero Flaring by 2030 but Faces Challenges Amid High Dependence on Coal Mining

• China's newly unveiled methane reduction plan seeks to improve monitoring, reporting, and data transparency to curb its methane emissions, with the country being the world's largest producer. However, the plan lacks specific targets or alignment with the Global Methane Pledge, a U.S.-led initiative to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
• China's heavy reliance on coal mining, which produces 90-95% of its methane emissions, likely drove the decision not to commit to the Global Methane Pledge. Controlling methane output in coal mining is more challenging and expensive than in oil and gas sectors, a primary methane source in the U.S. and EU.
• China's methane reduction plan includes supervisory protocols for methane producers but offers no details. Experts suggest a carrot-and-stick approach such as binding emissions standards or subsidies to encourage companies to cut their methane output.
• China aims to reduce flaring to zero by 2030. It also strives to increase annual use of coal mine gas to 6 billion cubic meters by 2025 and reach international advanced levels for the collection rates of associated gases in oilfields by 2030.
• The high-level climate talks between China and the U.S., though fraught with disagreements on other issues, seek to foster bilateral agreements on methane emissions reduction. Still, China's methane reduction plan is seen as a goodwill gesture amid tense relations.

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Semafor CNA Reuters