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Methane slippage underestimated in ETS draft methodology

In August, the European Commission published draft regulations setting on the methodology to report emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from shipping, with reference to the revised emissions trading system (ETS). “Slippage coefficients” are used to calculate the amount of LNG fuel that is not burned but released into the atmosphere. It would also be possible to provide emission data based on laboratory testing.

Transport & Environment is (T&E), however, is critical to these default values, which are said to “grossly underestimate methane slippage”, according to a recent article in ENDS Europe. “The default values should be updated to take into account research that shows methane slip is considerably higher than the current default values,”, says T&E. The criticism also concerns the option to provide emissions values based on laboratory testing until a test cycle that “reflects real-world operational conditions (notably, the engine loads and their weightings)” is available. The NOx test cycle (NTC) of the IMO assumes a 75 per cent engine load more than 70 per cent of the time, but according to research cited by T&E, most ships operate on average at a lower engine load, resulting in higher methane slippage. “Relying on the NTC risks turning a blind eye to a significant amount of emissions,” according to T&E.

Ends Europe, 24 August 2023. Shipping emission rules risk new ‘dieselgate’, green group warns. https://www.endseurope.com/article/1835085/shipping-emission-rules-risk-...

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Main menu

Methane slippage underestimated in ETS draft methodology

In this issue

Low energy vision for the European region

Editorial: EU climate target still not adapted to climate reality

Denmark’s bold move to promote plant-based eating

Peeking down from space to catch air pollution

Arsenic in air, cancer risks and background levels

European Parliament votes on air quality

New steps towards banning high-carbon advertising

Reviewed Gothenburg Protocol calls for revision

Unexpected CO₂ movements at pioneering Norwegian CCS sites

IED vote: EU Parliament rejects key proposals to curb emissions

Agrivoltaic solutions show positive performance in combating heatwaves

New Approaches to Offshore Wind Conflict Management

Shift to plant-based foods could halt forest reduction

Ambitious solar venture in Lithuania and Latvia

Unlocking Europe’s building revolution

Ocean carbon dioxide removal (OCDR) – high hopes for false solutions

The importance and role of forests in Poland

Publications

Food for Thought

Northern forests, climate change and the UNFCCC

EU climate targets aligned with the Paris agreement’s 1.5°C objective

Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Collaborative-Learning project

Air pollution in Europe and children’s health

Climate Change: A Himalayan Odessey

No further discussion needed. The agreed global goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C

Fossil-free electricity 2021

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