October 16, 2021

Methane (CH4) is a main source of greenhouse (GHG) emissions in natural gas systems. Natural gas systems were the second largest anthropogenic source category of CH4 emissions in the United States in 2019 with 157.6 MtCO2Eq of methane emitted. Those emissions have decreased by 15% since 1990 due to decreases in emissions from distribution, transmission, and storage. The decrease in distribution emissions is due to emission reductions from pipelines and distribution station leaks. Methane decreases in transmission and storage emissions is largely due to reduced compressor station emissions (including emissions from compressors and equipment leaks).

Despite a drop in emission intensity, GHG emissions from Natural Gas System are expected to remain flat or grow slightly due to growth in natural gas production.

Incorrys Methodology to Forecast Emissions