Understanding the EU’s Methane Mitigation Regulations: A Guide to Staying Compliant

The EU has introduced its first-ever methane emissions regulations for the energy sector, requiring both detection and quantification of emissions. The finalised regulations (EU 2019/942) came into effect on 13 June 2024, and operators must act now to stay compliant. 

Your deadline: 

The First Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Survey is due on 5 August 2025 

These new rules, outlined in EU 2019/942, aim to reduce the harmful environmental impacts of the energy sector in a bold step to combat climate change. Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide. Over 60% of global methane emissions come from human activity, and 1/3 from the energy sector alone. 

Compliance Requirements

The new UE Methane Mitigation requires you to meet the following requirements: 

• Emission Sources Must Be Measured at “each potential emissions source”
• Close-Proximity Inspections Required

What does this mean?

The regulation emphasises “measuring emissions at each potential emission source” and states that inspections must be conducted “as close as possible” to the equipment. This suggests that broad site-level detection methods, such as aerial and satellite monitoring, may not be sufficient for regulatory compliance unless supplemented by close-range inspections. The focus is on direct measurements using handheld, mobile, or on-site equipment like OGI cameras and QOGI solutions. 

> Explore FLIR’s G-series OGI Cameras. 

• Repairs must be attempted within 5 days and completed within 30 days
• Operators must be trained and certified 

What does this mean? 

Once a methane leak is detected, operators must begin repair efforts within 5 days of detection. The repair must be completed within 30 days unless an extension is justified, e.g., operational safety concerns of unavailability of critical parts. This ensures that leaks are addressed quickly to minimise methane emissions. 

Personnel performing Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) must be properly trained to conduct inspections, identify leaks and follow the required protocols to ensure inspections are accurate and compliant with Article 14 of the regulation. Some methods, like OGI cameras, may require certification to confirm operators are using them correctly and interpreting results accurately. 

> Discover Flir’s ITC courses 

Leak Detection & Repair (LDAR) Requirements (Article 14):

Included within Article 14 of EU’s Methane Regulations, leak detection and repair (LDAR) surveys must be carried out at a required frequency. The requirements are divided into two types of surveys: 

Type 1 LDAR Surveys 

These types of surveys usually involve comprehensive, close-range equipment inspections to detect methane leaks in facilities with higher emission risks. 

Processing Locations: Every 12 months 

Production Locations: Every 36 months

Type 2 LDAR Surveys 

These types of inspections are carried out over a longer timeframe; however, processing location requirements ensure that at least a quarter of the facility is checked each year to maintain ongoing monitoring. 

Processing Locations: Every 4 years, with 25% inspected annually 

Production Locations: Every 3 years

What does this mean?

Operators must carefully track their facility type and ensure they schedule LDAR surveys at the correct intervals. Adhering to these requirements is critical to maintaining compliance and avoiding potential penalties.

FLIR - Your Compliance Partner

FLIR’s cutting-edge Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI) technology offers a precise, reliable solution to help you meet the EU’s methane mitigation requirements. Our OGI cameras provide real-time, close-range leak detection, allowing you to confidently monitor, report, and verify emissions.

Get ahead of compliance deadlines with FLIR’s trusted solutions. Let’s discuss how we can help your operations meet the new EU regulations efficiently.

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