EPA Natural Gas STAR 

Program Accomplishments 

Introduction 

E

stablished in 1993, the Natural Gas STAR Program is a 

flexible, voluntary partnership that encourages oil and 

natural gas companies—both in the United States and 

internationally—to adopt proven, cost-effective technologies and practices that improve operational efficiency and 

reduce methane emissions. Given that methane is the primary 

component of natural gas and is a potent greenhouse gas—21 

times more powerful than carbon dioxide (CO2) in trapping 

heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period—reducing 

methane emissions can result in environmental, economic, 

and operational benefits. 

Natural Gas STAR partners have operations in all of 

the major industry sectors (production, gathering and 

processing, transmission, and distribution) that deliver 

natural gas to end users. Program partners represent 59 

percent of the natural gas industry in the United States. 

Since the inception of the program, these domestic 

partners have eliminated more than 994 billion cubic feet 

(Bcf) of methane emissions by implementing approximately 150 cost-effective technologies and practices. 

With the launch of Natural Gas STAR International in 

2006, the Program has expanded to include companies 

worldwide, significantly increasing opportunities to reduce methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations. Natural Gas STAR International builds off of the 

framework of the Global Methane Initiative (GMI), an 

international public-private partnership that advances the 

cost-effective, voluntary recovery of methane for use as a 

clean energy source. To date, international partners have 

reduced methane emissions by 77.8 Bcf. 

Today, Natural Gas STAR and Natural Gas STAR International together have more than 130 partner companies—14 of which are international partners. This document highlights the methane emissions reductions that 

both domestic and international partners have achieved, 

as well as the variety of technologies and practices they 

have implemented to reduce methane emissions. 

2010: Ongoing Success in the U.S. 

For calendar year 2010, nearly 80 percent of U.S. partners 

submitted an annual report detailing their efforts to reduce 

methane emissions from their operations. These voluntary activities consisted of nearly 100 technologies and 

practices and resulted in domestic emissions reductions of 

94.1 Bcf for the year. These methane emissions reductions 

have cross-cutting benefits on domestic energy supply, 

industrial efficiency, revenue generation, and greenhouse 

gas emissions reductions. The 2010 voluntary domestic 

emission reductions are equivalent to: 

•	�The additional revenue of more than $376 million in 

natural gas sales (assumes an average natural gas price 

of $4.00 per thousand cubic feet). 

•	�The avoidance of 38.1 million tonnes CO2 equivalent. 

•	�The carbon sequestered annually by 8.1 million acres 

of pine or fir forests. 

•	�The annual greenhouse gas emissions from nearly 7.3 

million passenger vehicles. 

Domestic Natural Gas STAR Methane Emissions Reductions as of 2010 

1200

1000

800

Annual 600
 

Cumulative
 400

200

0

2010 Methane Emissions Reductions by Sector (94 Bcf)

14% 6% Production

Transmission

Gathering and Processing 

Distribution

Bcf

94

994

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2%

78%
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

         

       

  

        

           

      

       

   

           

          

      

          

    

   

           

   

     

   

       

         

    

          

Domestic Emissions Reductions by Sector 

The following section illustrates the major sources of methane emissions from each industry sector and the technologies and practices implemented by partners to reduce emissions. The information showing the breakdown of emissions 

sources was taken from the EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2009, dated April 2011, and 

the information showing Natural Gas STAR partner activities was taken from partner reports and Natural Gas STAR 

historical data. The following diagram shows some of the top methane emission reduction opportunities for each sector: 

Oil Production

•	 Install VRUs on crude oil storage tanks 

•	 Route casinghead gas to VRU or compressor 

for recovery & use or sale 

Gas Production & Processing

•	 Perform reduced emissions 

completions 

•	 Install plunger lifts 

•	 Aerial leak detection using laser 

and/or infrared technology 

•	 Eliminate unnecessary equipment 

and/or systems 

Gas Storage

•	 Convert gas pneumatic controls to 

instrument air 

•	 Replace bi­directional orifice metering 

with ultrasonic meters 

•	 Reduce methane emissions from 

compressor rod packing systems 

Producing Wells 

Gathering Lines Transmission 

Processing Plant 

Compressor 

Stations 

Underground 

Storage 

Large Volume 

Customer 

Regulator/Meter 

City Gate 

(Regulators/Meters) 

LNG or Propane/Air Plant 

Residential

Customers

Commercial

Customer

Distribution Mains 

Gas Transmission

• DI&M at compressor stations 

• Use fixed/portable compressors 

for pipeline pumpdown 

• Install VRUs on pipeline 

liquid/condensate tanks 

Gas Distribution

• DI&M at surface facilities 

• Identify and replace high­bleed 

pneumatic devices 

•	 Survey and repair leaks 

Capacity Building 

Many methane emission reduction technologies and practices promoted by Natural Gas STAR have become widely implemented as a result 

of Program events and resources which allow partners to share their 

experiences across the industry. This outreach and partner exchange 

occurs through the development of technical documents and articles, 

tools, Program sponsored workshops, meetings and study tours. Noteworthy events in 2010 included: 

•	� The 17th Annual Implementation Workshop was held in conjunction 

with the GMI Oil & Gas Subcommittee meeting during November 

1-3, 2010. This unique event included a tour of nearby oil and 

natural gas operations and technical sessions. It also provided an 

opportunity for attendees to learn how Natural Gas STAR and GMI 

work collaboratively to encourage implementation of projects that 

Picture courtesy of American Gas Association.

reduce methane emissions and enhance operational efficiency and 

safety on a global scale. More information on this and other workshop events can be found at epa.gov/gasstar/workshops/index.html. 

•	� Natural Gas STAR and GMI hosted a Study Tour pairing three Natural 

Gas STAR International Partners with their U.S.-based peers to visit 

facilities and exchange ideas for accelerating project implementation and methane capture and use. Specifically, representatives of 

ONGC, Gazprom, ENAP Sipetrol, Chevron, Occidental Oil and Gas, 

and ConocoPhillips travelled through West Texas and New Mexico 

to visit sites where specific methane emissions reduction projects 

were successfully implemented. Observed projects included vapor 

recovery units, plunger lifts, and reduced emission completions. 

More information on these and all Natural Gas STAR sponsored events 

can be found at epa.gov/gasstar/workshops/index.html. 
 

Offshore 

Operations 

37 Bcf

13 Bcf

Well Venting and Flaring 

217 Bcf

Pipeline Leaks 

Pneumatic 

Devices 

67 Bcf

Production sector partners reported 73.1 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2010—and a total of 684.7 Bcf 

since 1990. The top technologies and practices employed by production sector partners are displayed in the charts 

below. 

Top Technologies in 2010 Top Technologies Since 1990

Total Sector Reductions in 2010 = 73.1 Bcf  Cumulative Sector Reductions = 684.7 Bcf 

Perform reduced emissions  Perform reduced emissions 

completions completions 

Artificial lift: install plunger lifts Artificial lift: install plunger lifts 

Identify and replace high­bleed  Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) 

pneumatic devices Identify and replace high­bleed Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) 3% pneumatic devices

8% 

37%

16%

5% 

7%

20% 

3% 

Artificial lift: install smart lift Artificial lift: install smart lift 4% automated systems on gas wells 3% automated systems on gas wells 

Install/convert gas­driven pumps to  4% 

11% 

36%

13%

8%

22% 

Install flares 

electric, mechanical, or solar pumps Install flash tank separators on Install flash tank separators on  glycol dehydrators glycol dehydrators Other 

Other 

Production Sector Accomplishments 

2009 Production Sector Methane Emissions (397 Bcf) 

Other Sources 

Storage Tank Venting 

14 Bcf

Dehydrators 

and Pumps 

19 Bcf

Compressor 

Fugitives, 

Venting, and 

Engine Exhaust
 

18 Bcf

Meters and 

12 Bcf

Source: EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and 

Sinks: 1990 – 2009, April 2011. 

Available at: 

epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html. 
 

Gathering and Processing Sector Accomplishments 

2009 Gathering and Processing Sector Methane Emissions (44 Bcf) 

Centrifugal 

Compressors 

12 Bcf

Gas Engine 

Exhaust 

8 Bcf

Reciprocating 

Compressors 

18 Bcf

Other Sources 

1 Bcf

Dehydrators 

and Pumps 

1 Bcf

Plant Fugitives 

2 Bcf

Blowdowns 

2 Bcf

Source: EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and 

Sinks: 1990 – 2009, April 2011. 

Available at: 

epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html. 

Gathering and processing sector partners reported 6 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2010—and a total of 

45.3 Bcf since 1990. The top technologies and practices employed by gathering and processing sector partners are 

displayed in the charts below. 

Top Technologies in 2010 Top Technologies Since 1990

Total Sector Reductions in 2010 = 6.0 Bcf  Cumulative Sector Reductions = 45.3 Bcf 

DI&M at compressor stations DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser 

Redesign blowdown/alter ESD  and/or infrared technology

practices Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to 

Improve measurement systems to  reduce methane in N2 reject stream

track gas loss 20% Eliminate unnecessary equipment

and/or systems DI&M at gas plants and booster 

Redesign blowdown/alter 

6% 

5% stations 

ESD practices DI&M: aerial leak detection using 

laser and/or infrared technology
 DI&M: leak detection using IR 6% 

20%

7%

25% 

17% camera/optical imaging Install flash tank separators on glycol  DI&M at gas plants and booster dehydrators stations Eliminate unnecessary equipment  Improve measurement systems and/or systems 8% 12% to track gas loss Other Other 

10% 

6% 

7% 

9% 

32% 

10% 
 

Transmission Sector Accomplishments 

2009 Transmission Sector Methane Emissions (110 Bcf) 

Station Venting Pipeline Leaks Source: EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and 9 Bcf 8 Bcf

Sinks: 1990 – 2009, April 2011. 

Available at: 

epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html. 

Other 

Sources 

5 Bcf

Transmission sector partners reported 13.3 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2010—and a total of 232.8 Bcf 

since 1993. The top technologies and practices employed by transmission sector partners are displayed in the charts 

below. 

Top Technologies in 2010 Top Technologies Since 1993 

Total Sector Reductions in 2010 = 13.3 Bcf  Cumulative Sector Reductions = 232.8 Bcf 

Use fixed/portable compressors for  20% Use fixed/portable compressors for 

pipeline pumpdown pipeline pumpdown 

Use of turbines at compressor stations DI&M at compressor stations 

3% 

Replace wet compressor seals with 

dry seals 

Use composite wrap repair 17% 

Install vapor recovery units on 

pipeline liquid/condensate tanks 

Use of turbines at compressor stations 

4% Use hot taps for in­service pipeline 

connections 

5% Replace wet compressor seals with 

dry seals Install electric compressors 6% DI&M at surface facilities 

Reduce/downgrade system pressure 

Other Use composite wrap repair 

Other 

Pneumatic 

Devices

12 Bcf

Centrifugal

Compressors

13 Bcf

Gas Engine 

Exhaust

11 Bcf

Reciprocating

Compressors 

44 Bcf

Station 

Fugitives

8 Bcf

34% 

18% 5% 

10% 

14% 

12% 

13% 

10% 

16% 

13% 
   

   

 

Distribution Sector Accomplishments 

2009 Distribution Sector Methane Emissions (72 Bcf) 

Other Sources Source: EPA Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Emissions and 3 Bcf Protected Steel
 

Mains/Services

Unprotected Steel

Mains/Services

16 Bcf

Cast Iron

Mains

8 Bcf

Regulator

Stations

11 Bcf

M&R Stations

18 Bcf

Sinks: 1990 – 2009, April 2011.
�

4 Bcf

Available at: 

Customer epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html. 

Meter Leaks

6 Bcf

Plastic
 

Mains/Services
 

6 Bcf

Distribution sector partners reported 2.6 Bcf of methane emissions reductions in 2010—and a total of 43.7 Bcf since 

1993. The top technologies and practices employed by distribution sector partners are displayed in the charts below. 

Top Technologies in 2010 Top Technologies Since 1993

DI&M: survey and repair leaks 46% 

2% 

Total Sector Reductions in 2010 = 2.6 Bcf  Cumulative Sector Reductions = 43.7 Bcf 

7% 49%

33%

3% 

1% 

27% 

2% 4% 

1% 4% 5% 1% 1% DI&M at surface facilities DI&M at surface facilities 

Identify and rehabilitate leaky  Identify and rehabilitate leaky 

distribution pipe distribution pipe

DI&M: survey and repair leaks 14% 

Identify and replace high­bleed  Identify and replace high­bleed

pneumatic devices pneumatic devices

Reduced emissions through  Use automated systems to reduce

third­party damage prevention pressure

DI&M at compressor stations 

(non­mainline transmission) 

Convert to instrument air systems 

Install excess flow valves 

Inject blowdown gas into low Other pressure system 

Other 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Gas STAR International 

In addition to the success reported under the domestic Program, progress 

is also being made in reducing global methane emissions through Natural Gas STAR International. International partners reported 6.8 Bcf in 

methane emissions reductions for a total of 77.8 Bcf since the inception of 

Natural Gas STAR International Program. To date, international partners 

have undertaken methane emission reduction activities in Argentina, 

Brazil, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, India, and Nigeria. For 2010, these 

companies reported methane emissions reductions from the implementation of 34 technologies and practices. 

The 2010 voluntary international methane emissions reductions are 

equivalent to: 

•	�The additional revenue of more than $27 million in natural gas sales 

(assumes an average natural gas price of $4.00 per thousand cubic feet). 

•	�The avoidance of 2.7 million tonnes CO2 equivalent. 

•	�The carbon sequestered annually by nearly 586,000 acres of pine or fir 

forests. 

•	�The annual greenhouse gas emissions from more than 525,000 passenger vehicles. 

Natural Gas STAR International Methane Emissions Reductions as of 2010

90
 

80
 

70
 

60
 

50
 Annual
 

40
 Cumulative

30
 

20
 

10
 

0
 

Bcf

6.8

77.8

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

New Tools and Resources 

New Look for the Global Methane Initiative 

(globalmethane.org/participate/index.aspx) 

The GMI has a new look. Building on the momentum surrounding the recent GMI (formerly 

the Methane to Markets Partnership) launch, 

the Administrative Support Group unveiled a 

new “look” to brand and unify GMI’s website 

and materials. The new logo features the 

methane flame and sun rays, representing 

a new beginning for the program as well as 

methane’s far-reaching potential for global 

change. 

New Tools Help Partners Measure Fugitive 

Methane Emissions 

Natural Gas STAR’s technical guidance has assisted many partners in the purchase of equipment to measure methane emissions from 

their operations. Specifically, the equipment is 

being used by internal teams to assess leaks 

in order to evaluate and adopt cost-effective 

technologies and practices to reduce methane 

emissions. Partners have reported purchasing equipment such as infrared cameras, flue 

gas analyzers, natural gas flow measurement 

systems, and probe leak detectors.