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
Vented Emissions
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a top priority in the oil and gas sector, and the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 framework places significant emphasis on capturing all forms of methane emissions—including those that are intentional. While fugitive emissions are accidental, another major contributor is vented emissions, which are deliberately released as part of operations.
To meet reporting and reduction requirements under programs like OGMP 2.0, it’s essential to understand the role of vented emissions, how they differ from other methane sources, and how to mitigate them effectively.
Defining Vented Emissions
Vented emissions refer to the intentional release of gases—primarily methane, CO₂, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—into the atmosphere during normal oil and gas operations. Unlike unintentional fugitive methane emissions, vented emissions are planned or required by safety systems.
Though designed into many processes, venting contributes significantly to oil and gas emissions and is now under tighter scrutiny in regulations like OGMP 2.0 and the EU Methane Strategy.
Common Sources of Vented Emissions
1. Routine Venting
This includes emissions released during normal operating procedures such as:
- Pressure relief events
- Startup and shutdown cycles
- Maintenance and depressurization events
Even though expected, these routine venting activities contribute directly to methane totals and are now being targeted by regulatory frameworks that aim to reduce avoidable emissions.
2. Pneumatic Devices Emissions
Pneumatic devices emissions are one of the largest sources of vented emissions in upstream operations. Pneumatic controllers and pumps powered by natural gas release methane during normal actuation—especially at remote sites lacking access to electricity.
Over time, these continuous releases can add up to substantial emissions across a basin or portfolio.
3. Storage and Tank Venting
Vapors from storage tanks (for oil, condensate, or water) are often vented during pressurization or product transfer. Without vapor recovery units, these emissions can be considerable and difficult to quantify without advanced monitoring tools.
Why Reducing Vented Emissions Matters
Vented emissions are both an environmental and operational concern:
- Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period
- Lost gas represents lost revenue
- Regulatory pressure is intensifying under OGMP 2.0 and similar programs
- ESG metrics and investor scrutiny increasingly focus on venting as avoidable waste
Strategies to Reduce Routine Venting and Pneumatic Devices Emissions
Oil and gas operators can take several steps to reduce vented emissions, including:
- Electrify pneumatic devices to eliminate gas-powered actuators
- Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) on tanks
- Deploy continuous methane monitoring systems like MethaneTrack™ and EmissionsTrack™ for real-time detection and quantification of emissions to gather data on emissions venting
- Optimize maintenance workflows to minimize routine venting
- Integrate site-wide data for OGMP 2.0-aligned reporting with systems that track both vented and fugitive emissions
For a deeper dive into how emissions data supports measurement-based reporting for OGMP 2.0 compliance, see: What Is a Methane Emissions Baseline?
Conclusion
Reducing vented emissions is a critical part of modern methane management. With increased regulatory oversight and growing expectations under OGMP 2.0, companies must move beyond traditional practices and embrace continuous monitoring and electrification strategies.
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.
