Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 establishes binding measures to monitor, report and reduce methane emissions across the EU energy sector. It applies to oil, gas, and coal activities, and introduces specific rules for methane leak detection, repair, and venting.
It is the first EU-level legislation targeting methane emissions from the energy sector and forms part of the EU Methane Strategy and the wider European Green Deal framework. Entered in forced on 1 January 2025, with phased-in obligations for LDAR, reporting, and import provisions between 2025–2027.
It sets out rules on:
- Methane emissions monitoring and reporting across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
- Regular leak detection and repair (LDAR) obligations for infrastructure operators.
- Ban on routine venting and flaring of methane.
- Methane import transparency rules, including reporting for third-country exporters.
- Creation of a methane transparency database by the Commission.
Implementing Acts and guidance
The Commission is mandated to adopt technical rules on:
- Measurement and reporting methodologies.
- LDAR frequency and technology specifications
- Templates for importers’ emission disclosures
The regulation affects importers, infrastructure operators, and portfolio managers by adding mandatory disclosures and compliance obligations. Gas traders with physical positions must account for methane leakage data and may face supply constraints due to tighter standards on upstream operations. LNG and pipeline gas contracts may need to incorporate methane performance clauses. The import transparency rules create reputational and commercial risks for fossil fuel originators with high methane intensity.