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Natural Gas STAR Program

2016 Natural Gas STAR Program Accomplishments

This page highlights the 2016 methane emissions reductions that domestic partners have achieved, as well as the variety of technologies and practices they have implemented to reduce methane emissions.


Introduction

Natural Gas STAR Program partners have operations in all of the major industry segments (production, gathering and processing, transmission, and distribution) that deliver natural gas to end users.

Each year, these partners submit an annual report documenting their previous year’s methane emission reduction activities. The section below provides data on activities implemented by partners in 2016 to reduce methane emissions from their operations.


Domestic Accomplishments

During calendar year 2017, U.S. domestic partners submitted an annual report detailing their efforts in 2016 to reduce methane emissions from their operations. These voluntary activities consisted of 43 technologies and practices and resulted in domestic emissions reductions of 51.4 Bcf for the year. These methane emissions reductions have cross-cutting benefits on domestic energy supply, industrial efficiency, revenue generation, improved air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. The emission reductions are equivalent to additional revenue of approximately $155 million in natural gas sales (assumes an average natural gas price of $3.00 per thousand cubic feet).

The charts below present the 2016 methane emissions reductions by segment as reported by Natural Gas STAR partners.

 
Segment Percentage*
Production 75
Gathering and Processing 2
Transmission 22
Distribution 1

Below are segment-specific summaries of 2016 methane emissions reductions reported by partners and the top technologies and practices that were employed.   

Production Segment

Since 1990, Production segment partners have reported reductions totaling 982.3 Bcf. In 2016, Production segment partners reported 38.8 Bcf of methane emissions reductions through the use of a variety of technologies, such as: 

  • Reducing emissions when removing accumulated fluid in gas wells by installing a plunger or artificial lift system; or operating smart well automation
  • Installing vapor recovery units (VRUs) on storage tank atmospheric vents
  • Installing/converting gas-driven pumps to electric, mechanical, or solar driven pumps

Gathering and Processing Segment

Since 1990, Gathering and Processing segment partners have reported reductions totaling 52.1 Bcf. In 2016, Gathering and Processing segment partners reported 0.9 Bcf of methane emissions reductions through the use of a variety of technologies, such as:

  • Capturing methane-containing gas from glycol dehydrators with flash tank separators or replacing glycol dehydrators with methanol injection
  • Installing/converting gas-pressure driven pumps to electric, mechanical, or solar driven pumps
  • Eliminating unnecessary equipment and/or systems

Transmission Segment

Since 1990, Transmission segment partners have reported reductions totaling 321.4 Bcf. In 2016, Transmission segment partners reported 11.4 Bcf of methane emissions reductions through the use of a variety of technologies, such as:

  • Recovering high pressure gas from pipelines using pump-down techniques and avoiding pipeline venting by making connections to pipelines in service, under pressure, using hot tap connections
  • Using composite wrap to avoid venting non-leaking pipes for repair
  • Reducing emissions from compressors by replacing gas engines with electric motor driven compressors or eliminating oil seal vents on compressors by retrofitting with non-venting dry seals

Distribution Segment

Since 1990, Distribution segment partners have reported reductions totaling 49.9 Bcf. In 2016, Distribution segment partners reported 1.1 Bcf of methane emissions reductions through the use of a variety of technologies, such as:

  • Conducting gas leak inspection surveys and repairing leaks at surface facilities
  • Reducing emissions from third-party damage (dig-ins) to underground piping by installing excess flow shutoff valves on customer service lines
  • Converting from pressurized natural gas powered (pneumatic) controls to compressed air systems

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Natural Gas STAR team.

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