Methane Mitigation Conference Report

The Second International Methane Mitigation Conference, held June 18–23, 2000, in Novosibirsk, Russia, drew 200 participants from nearly 30 countries to address opportunities and issues related to methane mitigation. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and, depending on the source, implementing reduction strategies can improve operational efficiency, provide a viable energy source, or improve agricultural productivity. During the conference, participants developed a stronger understanding of the specific measures that can lead to the most pragmatic and cost-effective emission reductions, and set forth recommendations to improve conditions for the development of projects. The Conference, jointly organized by the Russian Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with co-sponsorship by a number of private and governmental bodies, included presentations on a variety of topics related to greater project realization, such as project finance, markets for emission credits, institutional barriers, technical options, and project opportunities. During the conference's source-specific technical sessions, participants shared information and experiences on mitigating methane emissions from coal mining, natural gas systems, solid waste landfills, and agricultural and natural sources. This exchange of information was further developed during field trips, where conference participants had the opportunity to visit methane sources in southwestern Siberia, and to meet with local experts to discuss technical merits of different methane mitigation measures. Throughout the conference, participants were asked to seek answers to these four basic questions: 1) Analyses indicate that methane mitigation is often very cost-effective. What steps are necessary for greater project realization? 2) International institutions are looking for greenhouse gas reduction projects that are reliable and measurable. How well do methane mitigation projects meet these criteria, and what work needs to be undertaken to make this clear? 3) How are technical advances impacting project attractiveness? What is in store for the future? 4) What roles can industry, governments, multi-lateral institutions, and researchers play to promote methane mitigation? What collaborative efforts should be undertaken? At the end of each source-specific technical session, participants gathered to formulate findings, conclusions, and recommendations to present during the concluding plenary session. These recommendations are presented in the next section.