August 28, 2014

U.S. DOE Announces Program to Reduce Methane Emissions

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a series of steps it will take to help modernize the nation’s natural gas transmission and distribution systems and reduce methane leaks and emissions.  The main component of natural gas, methane is considered a potent greenhouse gas.
 
According to the announcement, DOE will:
  1. establish energy efficiency standards for new natural gas compressor units,
  2. evaluate and establish a high-impact manufacturing research and development initiative to improve natural gas system efficiency and reduce leaks,
  3. examine ways to provide greater cost recovery for new investments in modernizing natural gas transmission infrastructure, and
  4. provide grants and technical assistance to the National Association of State Regulatory Utility Commissioners to encourage infrastructure modernization and repairs to natural gas distribution networks.
at