While previous studies provided methane emission snapshots, none have spent the time or money needed to effectively research emissions over longer periods of time. Until now. This current project will finally answer the critical questions needed to scale up energy efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

CALGARY, ALBERTA (November 13, 2018) — The Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), and the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC) are pleased to announce the launch of a large-scale applied research project focused on methane leak detection, quantification, and repair.

This project, known as the Fugitive Emissions Management Program Effectiveness Assessment (FEMP EA) is launched through the Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (AUPRF) — a unique collaborative platform between the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Energy Regulator, and industry. The strong technical team performing the project includes Stanford University, Cap-Op Energy, Davis Safety, and DXD Consulting.

“This first-of-its-kind project is a remarkable step forward in enabling our industry to obtain accurate data to reduce its methane emissions by 45 per cent by 2025, through existing technologies made possible through PTAC initiatives,” Soheil Asgarpour, President, Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada.
Over 400 oil and gas producers provided funding for this project through the Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund program (AUPRF). Managed by PTAC, AUPRF is a unique collaboration inspired by the goal of reducing the environmental footprint of Canada’s oil and gas industry in an economically responsible manner.

Immense in scope, FEMP EA covers 2,500 square kilometers in the Red Deer region and includes participation from 30 producing companies and nearly 200 oil and gas facilities. Launched in August of 2018, the project is expected to be completed in 12 months.

“Sound public policy and smart regulation must be built on a foundation of accurate data and thorough, objective analysis and understanding. The Fugitive Emissions Management Program Effectiveness Assessment reflects this approach and EPAC is pleased to offer our support and endorsement for this project,” Gary Leach, President, Explorers and Producers Association of Canada.

Project objectives and design have been informed by a review of over 100 studies conducted by Stanford University. FEMP EA will not only establish the basis for our industry to considerably reduce GHG emissions within Alberta, but will produce vast learnings applicable to other oil and gas jurisdictions both domestically and internationally.

“We consider the FEMP EA project to be foundational. The detailed knowledge of methane emissions from a large number of facilities, measured repeatedly over a 12 month period, will allow us to evaluate new and innovative detection, quantification, and control technologies, which could allow us to find and reduce methane releases faster and at lower costs,” Wayne Hillier, Alberta Manager, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

For more information about FEMP EA and other initiatives, please join PTAC at the Methane Emissions Reduction Forum November 27-28, 2018 in Banff, Alberta. Click here to learn more and register.

About PTAC

Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada is a Canadian hydrocarbon industry association that serves as a neutral non-profit facilitator of collaborative R&D and technology development, and operates in partnership with all industry stakeholders to transform challenges into opportunities. By effectively leveraging financial resources and technical expertise through our proven model, PTAC has been able to able to support collaborative networks which advance innovative R&D and technology development projects, that address pertinent industry challenges through activities which reduce costs, improve operational efficiencies, enhance environmental stewardship, advance regulatory development, and provide our industry with the social license to operate.

About CAPP

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and oil throughout Canada. CAPP’s member companies produce about 80 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and oil. CAPP’s associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP’s members and associate members are an important part of a national industry with revenues from oil and natural gas production of about $101 billion a year.

About EPAC

The Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, advocates on behalf of its member companies for sound government policy that promotes a thriving independent oil and gas sector. Canada’s junior and mid-sized companies are a critical component of our nation’s oil and gas industry. Members invest billions of dollars each year finding and developing new energy reserves while providing the North American market with a secure, reliable energy source. Founded in 1986 as the Small Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, today the Association represents a wide spectrum of independent oil and gas companies ranging from start-ups to junior and mid-sized producers operating in Canada, the United States and other countries.

Media Contact: Lauren Gilmore
Cell: +1 846-221-2636 | [email protected]