Thread by @tgouldao

How much do indirect emissions from extracting, processing and transporting oil and gas to consumers add to full lifecycle emissions? We looked in detail at this in @iea #WEO2018 (thread below, more at bit.ly/2WhiPkq)

The answer varies, depending on where and how the oil and gas is produced. In a first comprehensive global assessment, led by @TofMcGlade, we found that the most emissions-intensive sources of oil and gas have four times more indirect emissions than the least 2/10

This matters. Total indirect greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas operations today, including CO2 and methane, are around 5.2 billion tonnes CO2-eq, that’s 15% of total energy sector GHG emissions 3/10

This doesn’t change our conclusion that, in all but the very worst cases, natural gas brings environmental gains compared with coal – especially in relation to air pollutants, where the advantages of gas vs coal are undisputed 4/10

Why is this important? Even in deep and rapid decarbonisation scenarios, oil and gas remain a major part of the global energy system for years to come. Producers who can demonstrate that they have minimised these indirect emissions are likely to have an advantage 5/10

As @ieabirol said yesterday at #WEF19, there are ways to change this picture; these are also areas where some leading companies are stepping up 6/10

Eliminating methane leaks – especially via regular leak detection and repair programmes – and minimising flaring are some of the most cost-effective measures. Many methane-reduction measures could actually end up saving money 7/10

Operators are also starting to look at electrifying operations using low-carbon electricity. Depending on location, solar or onshore/offshore wind (+ battery storage in some cases) can offer cost & environmental benefits vs alternatives – especially if carbon is priced 8/10

Injecting captured CO2 in enhanced oil recovery projects can reduce emissions and also provide a stepping stone for broader CCUS deployment. This could even produce “negative emissions” oil if the CO2 is captured from the atmosphere 9/10

Investment in hydrogen and in biomethane could reduce or bypass emissions and make today’s oil and gas infrastructure more compatible with a low-emissions future. @iea this year we're looking in detail at these potentials, costs & benefits (end)