A seminar in a hybrid format was held last week at the Research Institute of Natural Gas of the State Concern “Turkmengas”. The agenda included issues regarding the new EU requirements for energy imports in accordance with the Regulation on the Reduction of Methane Emissions in the Energy Sector. The event was organized within the framework of the GIZ project "EU for Green Growth in Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Action on Climate Change" (2024-2028), funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office.

The seminar became an important platform for the exchange of experience between the European Union and Turkmenistan on climate policy issues aimed at mitigating climate change and protecting the environment. The event also provided information on the new EU Methane Regulation, which aims to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector and global supply chains. This document sets out specific requirements for monitoring, reporting, verification and emission reduction.

Particular attention was also paid to the OGMP 2.0 initiative, a flagship programme of the UN Environment Programme aimed at increasing transparency and reducing methane emissions in the oil and gas sector. OGMP 2.0 serves as the main source of information for the International Methane Observatory (IMEO), which is creating a global database and monitoring progress in this area.

The event also provided detailed information on the IMEO-MARS platform - the “Methane Alert and Response System” and modern satellite monitoring technologies, including GHGSat infrared technologies capable of detecting large methane leaks around the world. As is known, these instruments are recognized as important conditions for ensuring compliance with the new EU regulatory framework and increasing environmental responsibility in the energy sector.

The seminar demonstrated the EU's commitment to sharing best practices, developing international cooperation for sustainable development and promoting emission reduction.

As the representative of the Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission (DG ENER) noted, with the adoption of the new Methane Regulation, it should be noted that an important step has been taken at the global level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. This document not only contributes to the implementation of sustainable practices, but also strengthens its position in the international energy market in the future.