# 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 technolo

gies 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 (CO 2 

## ) 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 approxi

mately 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 re

duce methane emissions from oil and natural gas opera

tions. 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 Inter

national together have more than 130 partner compa

nies—14 of which are international partners. This docu

ment 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 volun

tary 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 CO 2 

## 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 technolo

gies 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 promot

ed 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. Note

worthy events in 2010 included:

•� The 17 th 

## 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 work

shop 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 implementa

tion 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) pneumatic devices 3%

8% 37%

16% 5%

7%

20%

3% Artificial lift: install smart lift Artificial lift: install smart lift 4% 3% automated systems on gas wells 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 and/or infrared technology Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in N 2 reject stream Improve measurement systems to 20% Eliminate unnecessary equipment track gas loss 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 Use automated systems to reduce Reduced emissions through pressure third­party damage prevention 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 Natu

ral 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 implementa

tion 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 CO 2 

## 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 passen

ger 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 mo

mentum 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 as

sisted many partners in the purchase of equip

ment 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 purchas

ing equipment such as infrared cameras, flue gas analyzers, natural gas flow measurement systems, and probe leak detectors.