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Continuous monitoring on the agenda for British GDNs
The UK is the third largest methane emitter in the European energy sector. Gas distribution network operators are modernising their networks but there remains significant scope for progress — particularly in the quality of emissions data.
This challenge is well understood. Historically, emissions from gas distribution in the UK have been modelled using standardised emission factors rather than measured at source, introducing a degree of uncertainty estimated at around 20%. The Environment Agency's Methane Action Plan (2024–2026) highlights the need for improved monitoring capabilities, better data quality, and adopting best practice for leak detection and repair.
That means the gas sector is open to adopting new technologies — including continuous monitoring solutions such as MethanEye — that can complement existing LDAR programmes and support the transition towards measurement-based emissions management.
An evolution of the UK's regulatory framework for methane emissions is likely following the toughening up of regulations in Europe. The immediate driver is the EU Methane Regulation's import provisions.
Domestically, Britain has also signalled its commitment to methane reduction through its support for the Global Methane Pledge. Meanwhile advocacy organisations in the UK and globally, including the Clean Air Task Force, are calling for comprehensive MMRV (measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification) frameworks, mandatory quarterly LDAR inspections, and the exploration of economic instruments such as methane fees.
The IEA says that UK operators could eliminate up to 72% of methane waste using existing, commercially available technologies, with much of this reduction achievable with a net economic benefit.
“The direction of travel – towards more rigorous monitoring, higher-quality data and greater accountability – appears clear,” says Campanelli.
As the technology to meet these expectations is available, the question for the UK is primarily one of the timing and scope of any new regulations.
Want more information on technology for tackling fugitive emissions?
Contact Barbara Diaz, marketing manager, Automa: barbara.diaz@byautoma.com
Phone: +39 334 659 6530
About Automa
Automa is a company that designs, engineers and manufactures Made in Italy technologies for remote monitoring in the oil, gas and water sector, and for building automation in the civil sector.
The continuous investments in technological innovation and the constant introduction of improvements, the result of shared best practices and operational experience, have made Automa and the brand GOLIAH a benchmark for solutions for the remote monitoring of cathodic protection and operating parameters of oil, gas and water distribution and transportation networks.
The same principles also guide the activities in the civil sector, where Automa operates the commercial brand XEFIRO and develops solutions for building automation that aim at reducing energy consumption, improving the level of comfort and safety of environments, and allowing the integration of different technologies.
Continuous monitoring on the agenda for British GDNs
The UK is the third largest methane emitter in the European energy sector. Gas distribution network operators are modernising their networks but there remains significant scope for progress — particularly in the quality of emissions data.
This challenge is well understood. Historically, emissions from gas distribution in the UK have been modelled using standardised emission factors rather than measured at source, introducing a degree of uncertainty estimated at around 20%. The Environment Agency's Methane Action Plan (2024–2026) highlights the need for improved monitoring capabilities, better data quality, and adopting best practice for leak detection and repair.
That means the gas sector is open to adopting new technologies — including continuous monitoring solutions such as MethanEye — that can complement existing LDAR programmes and support the transition towards measurement-based emissions management.
An evolution of the UK's regulatory framework for methane emissions is likely following the toughening up of regulations in Europe. The immediate driver is the EU Methane Regulation's import provisions.
Domestically, Britain has also signalled its commitment to methane reduction through its support for the Global Methane Pledge. Meanwhile advocacy organisations in the UK and globally, including the Clean Air Task Force, are calling for comprehensive MMRV (measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification) frameworks, mandatory quarterly LDAR inspections, and the exploration of economic instruments such as methane fees.
The IEA says that UK operators could eliminate up to 72% of methane waste using existing, commercially available technologies, with much of this reduction achievable with a net economic benefit.
“The direction of travel – towards more rigorous monitoring, higher-quality data and greater accountability – appears clear,” says Campanelli.
As the technology to meet these expectations is available, the question for the UK is primarily one of the timing and scope of any new regulations.
Want more information on technology for tackling fugitive emissions?
Contact Barbara Diaz, marketing manager, Automa: barbara.diaz@byautoma.com
Phone: +39 334 659 6530
About Automa
Automa is a company that designs, engineers and manufactures Made in Italy technologies for remote monitoring in the oil, gas and water sector, and for building automation in the civil sector.
The continuous investments in technological innovation and the constant introduction of improvements, the result of shared best practices and operational experience, have made Automa and the brand GOLIAH a benchmark for solutions for the remote monitoring of cathodic protection and operating parameters of oil, gas and water distribution and transportation networks.
The same principles also guide the activities in the civil sector, where Automa operates the commercial brand XEFIRO and develops solutions for building automation that aim at reducing energy consumption, improving the level of comfort and safety of environments, and allowing the integration of different technologies.
