Understanding the EU’s Methane Regulation for coal

In May 2024, the EU approved its first-ever regulation to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector, of which coal mining is the largest source. Coal mining countries, both within and outside of EU borders will be impacted.

10 Jul 2024

13 Minutes Read

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Sabina Assan
Coal Mine Methane Analyst
Ember

Executive Summary

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Reduction in EU coal mine methane emissions with the new rules, below the 58% necessary. The shortfall is due to the current lack of regulation on coking coal mines.

EU Member States will be required to implement mitigation measures. Only Poland and Romania will implement mitigation on active mines.

Out of the biggest 10 coal suppliers to the EU currently meet the methane measurements now required by the regulation.

Executive Summary

EU first-ever Methane Regulation for coal mines

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas contributor to climate change, contributing to about 30% of the rise in global temperatures since the Industrial Revolution.

In December 2021, the EU proposed the EU Methane Regulation as part of its efforts to implement the European Green Deal. The proposal followed the EU Methane Strategy adopted in 2020, in which the EU committed to rapid action on tackling methane emissions.

Approved on May 27, 2024, the regulation is the first of its kind globally for coal mines, requiring stringent monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of methane emissions. Coal mine operators are also compelled to mitigate emissions at both active and closed underground mines, which continue to release methane.

As a leader of the Global Methane Pledge, the EU additionally aims to strengthen international collaboration for methane reductions. In 2022, the EU committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels through a Joint Declaration from Energy Importers and Exporters on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Fossil Fuels. This commitment is also reflected in the EU Methane Regulation, which addresses methane emissions both within and outside of EU borders.

Coal is the largest energy sector methane emitter in the EU

According to UNFCCC reporting, in 2021 the energy sector released 2,497 thousand tonnes of methane, making it the third largest emitter in the EU after the agriculture and waste sectors. Methane from coal mining is the largest source in the energy sector, releasing 908 thousand tonnes in 2021. Coal contributes to 6% of the EU’s total methane emissions.

This regulation is a big step in the right direction for countries to act on methane from coal mining, which is still overlooked globally. However, it is what happens next that will make the difference. The standards for monitoring, reporting and verification of methane need to shift the dial on what is accepted as ‘best practice’. And we cannot afford to ignore emissions from coking coal used in steel making. There are big opportunities for reducing coal mine methane both within the EU and through imports to the EU and this regulation must deliver on those.