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Statistical Reports

We enhanced our ST60B: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring and Venting Report to include categories for emissions from glycol dehydrators, and emissions from surface casing vent flow and gas migration.

Emissions Research

We are participating in a number of studies on methane emissions. As we developed the new methane reduction requirements, we identified gaps in the current level of knowledge and understanding of the emissions landscape (e.g. equipment inventories and measurement).

By investing in research we will improve the accuracy of the emissions baseline and test the effectiveness of new technology. We believe this will lead to optimized regulatory stringency, more effective regulatory compliance, and a reduced financial burden on industry.

The new methane emissions requirements include a mandatory regulatory review by 2022. This will allow us to accommodate findings from the studies and including new knowledge on emissions and technologies that have been proven to reduce methane emissions.

Current Studies

Alberta Methane Abatement Cost Study*
The Delphi Group’s June 2017 “Methane Abatement Costs” study was commissioned by the AER to examine the range of costs associated with methane mitigation options. We used the costs published in this report to inform the economic model inputs for assessing methane emissions reductions.

Alternative Methane Detection Technologies Evaluation*
Highwood Emissions Management’s December 2023 report “Alternative Methane Detection Technologies Evaluation” was commissioned by the AER. The report identifies emission detection technology and workplan characteristics that could be equivalent to various Fugitive Emission Management Program scenarios where customary detection methods (like optical gas imaging cameras or portable methane analyzers) were used at different required intervals. 

Greenpath 2016 Alberta Fugitive and Vented Emissions Inventory Study*
Greenpath’s 2016 “Alberta Fugitive and Vented Emissions Inventory Study” was commissioned by the AER to better understand fugitive and venting emissions in Alberta. The report helped inform technical discussions at the multistakeholder committees for methane reduction.

We used the data collected during this study to model the current distribution and inventory of pneumatic controllers in Alberta.

Cap-Op Energy Pneumatic Inventory Study*
Cap-Op Energy’s March 2018 “Pneumatic Inventory Study” was commissioned by the AER to better understand pneumatic device populations and emissions in Alberta. We are using the data to improve the existing model and update the assumptions used for the distribution and inventory of pneumatic instruments in Alberta.

Clearstone Update of Equipment Component and Fugitive Emission Factors for Alberta Upstream Oil and Gas Study*
Clearstone Engineering Ltd. and Carleton University’s June 2018 “Update of Equipment Component and Fugitive Emission Factors for Alberta Upstream Oil and Gas” study was funded by NRCAN with support and collaboration from the AER. The study updates and improves equipment and component counts, and emission factors in Alberta’s upstream oil and gas industry. We used the results of this study, in combination with other sources, to update specific factors in the economic and emissions model for assessing methane emissions reductions.

Clearstone 2018 Alberta Upstream Oil & Gas Methane Emissions Inventory and Methodology*
This report provides a detailed inventory of 2018 methane emissions from the upstream oil and natural gas sector in Alberta. One major data source was the Update of Equipment, Component and Fugitive Emission Factors for Alberta Upstream Oil and Gas Study prepared by Clearstone Engineering Ltd. and Carleton University.

*These reports contain information provided by third parties. For additional information about the limitations and restrictions applicable to these documents, please refer to the AER Copyright and Disclaimer page.

Sharing Information 

Starting in 2020 we are publishing methane data on our Methane Performance page. This page highlights overall methane emissions by facility type, production type, or area and provides summary information on our alternative FEMP programs and measures to improve industry methane performance. 

This is part of our industry performance program, which measures, evaluates, and reports on the energy development activities that we regulate.