Impact of activity driver uncertainty on methane emissions from the natural gas transmission and storage sector in the United States.

Abstract:

Increased exploration, production and use of natural gas has raised interest in methane emissions from the natural gas industry, since methane is the primary component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas. A recent study of the transmission and storage (T&S) sector in the United States indicated that activity estimates – i.e. estimates of the number of facilities, facility configuration, equipment utilization, and similar – may have as large an impact on national estimates of emissions as estimates of emissions rates for various emission categories. This presentation highlights the development of activity estimates for T&S and the impact of the estimates on the magnitude and uncertainty of national emissions estimates. Finally, the work suggest methods a hierarchy of methods for collecting additional activity data that could balance reporting requirements with scientific benefit.