This article is part of our OGMP 2.0 Educational Series
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- 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
What is OGMP 2.0?
Reducing methane emissions is one of the most effective ways to slow the pace of global warming. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with over 80 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 20-year period. Recognizing this, oil and gas companies worldwide are under increasing pressure to quantify, monitor, and reduce their methane footprint. The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, or OGMP 2.0, is a voluntary initiative designed to help operators do exactly that.
Understanding OGMP 2.0
Launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), OGMP 2.0 is widely considered the gold standard for corporate methane emissions reporting. It builds on the original OGMP framework by introducing more rigorous, measurement-based reporting requirements that go beyond simple emissions estimates.
The goal is to provide transparent, credible data on methane emissions across the entire oil and gas value chain—including upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. This structured framework helps companies develop accurate methane inventories while demonstrating their commitment to emissions reduction.
How OGMP 2.0 Works
Participating companies commit to progressively improving the quality of their methane emissions data over time. OGMP 2.0 defines five levels of reporting, with Level 5 representing the highest standard of measurement-based, site-level emissions quantification. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Level 1–2: Basic reporting based on default emission factors or limited measurements, often supported by a handheld or OGI-based leak detection LDAR program.
Related: LDAR for OGMP 2.0: What You Need to Know - Level 3: Integration of company-specific data, including engineering estimates and some direct measurements using periodic survey methods like mobile platforms or drone inspections.
Related: Continuous Monitoring vs. Periodic Surveys - Level 4: Site-level quantification using a combination of direct measurement technologies and validated emissions models. This includes collecting specific Emission Factors (EFs) and Activity Factors (AFs)—topics explored further in Methane Quantification: Why It Matters
- Level 5: Comprehensive, measurement-based methane emissions inventories with independent verification using site-wide continuous measurement technologies
Related: Achieving OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard
The ultimate aim is for companies to achieve Level 4 or Level 5 reporting across all relevant assets, delivering the most accurate picture of their methane emissions.
The Importance of a Methane Emissions Baseline
A key requirement of OGMP 2.0 methane reporting is establishing a credible methane emissions baseline. This baseline provides a reference point for tracking progress over time, identifying high-emitting assets, and prioritizing mitigation efforts.
Developing an accurate baseline requires comprehensive data from various sources, including operational records, component-level inspections, and advanced emissions monitoring technologies. Understanding the distinction between fugitive and operational emissions is critical here, as each source type must be categorized correctly under the OGMP framework.
By comparing ongoing emissions against this baseline, operators can demonstrate reductions, improve operational efficiency, and support regulatory or investor-driven climate targets.
OGMP 2.0 and Industry Expectations
As global momentum builds to tackle methane emissions, OGMP 2.0 participation has become an expectation for leading oil and gas companies. Many governments, investors, and industry stakeholders view OGMP 2.0 compliance as a signal of responsible operations and environmental leadership.
Moreover, aligning with OGMP 2.0 prepares operators for emerging regulations, such as the European Union’s Methane Regulation and other frameworks that mandate more stringent methane detection and reporting.
How Continuous Monitoring Supports OGMP 2.0 Compliance
Achieving OGMP 2.0 Level 4 and 5 requirements demands reliable, site-level methane quantification based on continuous measurement—not periodic surveys alone. That’s where advanced monitoring solutions like MethaneTrack™ and EmissionsTrack™ make a difference.
Our automated continuous emissions monitoring systems combine proven sensor technology with real-time data analytics to deliver precise, continuous methane detection across oil and gas operations. These solutions help operators:
- Establish accurate methane emissions baselines
- Continuously monitor for leaks and emissions events
- Quantify emissions at the site level with actionable insights
- Generate the measurement-based data required for OGMP 2.0 Level 4 and 5 reporting
With MethaneTrack™ and EmissionsTrack™, operators can confidently meet OGMP 2.0 expectations while improving operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
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.
