This article is part of our OGMP 2.0 Educational Series
View all the articles
- What Is OGMP 2.0?
- What Is a Methane Baseline?
- LDAR Programs for OGMP 2.0
- Operational vs. Fugitive Emissions
- Methane Quantification: Why It Matters
- Continuous Monitoring vs. Periodic Surveys
- What Are Fugitive Emissions?
- How to Detect Fugitive Emissions
- Upstream Methane Emissions Sources
- What Are Vented Emissions?
- Understanding Incomplete Combustion Emissions
- Achieving OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard
Understanding the Key Contributors to Oil and Gas Emissions
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas—roughly 84 times more impactful than CO₂ over a 20-year timeframe. In the upstream oil and gas sector, controlling methane emissions is a critical component of environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Yet many operators still face challenges identifying and mitigating the most common sources of methane releases.
As companies aim to meet the OGMP 2.0 framework’s reporting levels and achieve Gold Standard status, it’s essential to understand the core sources of upstream methane emissions and how to address them. This article highlights six of the most common contributors and explores how advanced monitoring solutions can help reduce oil and gas emissions across the upstream value chain.
1. Leaks from Tanks and Thief Hatches
Storage tanks are an essential part of upstream operations, but they’re also one of the most frequent sources of methane emissions. Pressure-controlled tanks can release methane through faulty seals, overpressure events, or improperly closed thief hatches. In some cases, these emissions are intermittent and difficult to detect with traditional periodic surveys.
Modern continuous emissions monitoring systems with wireless endpoints placed near vent points can provide early alerts and even pinpoint the source of the leak, helping teams prioritize repairs before a minor issue becomes a super-emitter event.
Learn More: Continuous Monitoring vs. Periodic Surveys
2. Vented Emissions from Pneumatic Devices
Many oil and gas facilities still use natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers and pumps, which vent methane as part of normal operation. While these devices are inexpensive and reliable, their routine venting can result in significant methane loss across a site.
Swapping high-bleed devices with low- or no-bleed alternatives—or electrifying pneumatic systems entirely—can dramatically reduce upstream methane emissions from this source. Monitoring tools can also be deployed to identify malfunctioning devices that emit more than expected.
3. Unlit or Malfunctioning Flares
Flaring is often used to dispose of excess gas, but when a flare is unlit or operating inefficiently, the methane intended for combustion may be vented directly to the atmosphere. Flares that experience incomplete combustion can also contribute to oil and gas emissions, especially if they’re not monitored continuously.
Infrared cameras, aerial surveys, and fixed methane monitoring systems are increasingly used to verify flare performance in real time and trigger alerts if flaring efficiency drops below required thresholds.
Related: Operational vs Fugitive Emissions
4. Equipment Leaks from Valves, Flanges, and Connectors
Fugitive emissions from valves, flanges, pressure relief valves, and other connection points are common across upstream sites. These leaks can stem from aging equipment, improper maintenance, or pressure fluctuations.
A well-structured LDAR (Leak Detection and Repair) program is essential, but periodic surveys often miss short-duration or intermittent leaks. Deploying continuous monitoring at high-risk components enables faster detection and repair, improving site safety and emissions performance.
5. Wellhead and Casing Vent Leaks
Methane can also escape from wellheads or casing vents due to poor cementing, corrosion, or well integrity issues. These emissions can be particularly difficult to detect, especially if the leak is underground or intermittent.
Wireless endpoint gas sensors can be easily placed to continuously monitor the air for gas as well as take into account the atmospheric and wind data to help operators locate and quantify the source of these emissions.
Explore: Detecting Fugitive Emissions
6. Emissions from Rotating Equipment
Rotating equipment—especially compressors—can be a significant source of upstream methane emissions due to both combustion inefficiencies and mechanical leaks.
Causes include:
- Compressor Exhaust – Unburned methane in engine exhaust, known as combustion slip or methane slip.
- Equipment Leaks – From seals, valves, and associated components.
- Pneumatic Devices – Emissions from actuators and controllers.
- Wet Seals – Methane leakage during oil degassing in wet seals.
- Rod Packing Vents – Release from rod packing systems.
- Pressure Relief Valves – Methane escape due to overpressure protection.
How to Mitigate:
- Improved Combustion Efficiency – Upgrade engines or switch to electric drivers.
- Leak Detection and Repair – Regular inspections and repairs.
- Dry Seals – Use dry seals to replace leak-prone wet seals.
- Venting Management – Route emissions to flares or low-pressure recovery systems.
- Pneumatic Device Optimization – Upgrade to low- or no-bleed systems.
- Data Collection and Analysis – Monitor performance to identify problem areas.
- Close-Proximity Continuous Monitoring – Use fixed sensors to monitor emissions in real time.
Reducing Upstream Methane Emissions
To meet new regulatory expectations and industry standards such as OGMP 2.0, upstream operators must shift from periodic leak surveys to smarter, data-driven solutions. Continuous emissions monitoring, especially when deployed near high-risk equipment, offers the best path forward for reducing oil and gas emissions in real time.
Want the complete roadmap to OGMP compliance—from Level 1 to Gold Standard?
Achieving OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard Reporting
Read our guide Achieving OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard Reporting to learn the step-by-step framework, best practices, and technology insights you need to progress through every compliance level with confidence.
