Methane Symposium

With support of Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Energy & Emissions Research Lab (EERL) at Carleton University was pleased to host a national methane symposium, “Methane Emissions in the Canadian Oil and Gas Sector — Current Science and Policy Implications” on November 21st, 2017.  The symposium assembled leading national and international experts with direct knowledge of recent methane measurements and mitigation opportunities in the Canadian energy industry.  Building on results of a range new and recently released airborne and field measurement studies, as well as parallel techno-economic analysis of mitigation potential, the goal of the symposium was to focus on the question, “What does the latest science mean, and how does this relate to Canada’s objectives of achieving 40-45% reductions in methane in the oil and gas sector?”

A summary article on the Symposium is below:

The Symposium was organized into two main sessions.  A morning session, moderated by Heather Scoffield (Ottawa Bureau Chief of the Canadian Press) brought together experts to present and discuss the latest measurements of methane in the Canadian oil and gas sector, through airplane studies, vehicle surveys, and on-site measurements.  These discussions led directly into an afternoon session moderated by Assistant Deputy Minister for Natural Resources Canada, Frank Des Rosiers, which focussed on technical and economic barriers and opportunities for mitigation.

The interest and energy of the 130 registered participants was evident throughout the day, with many more watching the online livestream.  The impressively diverse range of stakeholders from across Canada and the US included industry leaders, federal and provincial government personnel, academics, and NGOs.  Keeping with the goals of the symposium to openly share and discuss the latest data and analysis on methane emissions and reduction opportunities in Canada, copies of presentations and videos from the symposium are being shared through this website.

We are especially grateful for the support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), and the Carleton University Faculty of Engineering and Design allowing us to host this symposium.