Article 14 LDAR Programme: New requirements for leak detection and repair under the EU Methane Regulation

With the new EU Methane Regulation, the European Union takes a significant step towards reducing methane emissions and protecting the environment. This regulation particularly affects operators in the gas industry, who must now adhere to stricter leak detection and repair (LDAR) requirements. The importance of these new regulations lies not only in enhanced environmental protection but also in the potential economic impacts for companies, which can save costs and avoid sanctions through early detection and repair of methane leaks.

Today, we would like to provide you with an insight into Article 14 of the new EU Methane Regulation, which focuses on leak detection and repair (LDAR). This provision is of crucial importance for all operators in the gas industry to reduce methane emissions and strengthen environmental protection. In this article, we explain the goals of the LDAR programme and the timeline of the corresponding requirements.

Detect and Repair: The Main Goals of the LDAR Programme

The main goal of the LDAR programme is to detect methane leaks in energy infrastructures early and to repair them quickly. An effective LDAR programme ensures that:

Leaks are detected early: Through regular inspections and the use of modern technologies, methane leaks can be identified promptly (Article 14, § 2).

Repairs are carried out quickly: After detecting a leak, operators must immediately take action to fix the leak and prevent further emissions (§ 8 f.).

Timeline of the LDAR Requirements

The EU Methane Regulation sets clear deadlines for the implementation and compliance with the LDAR programme. These deadlines are crucial to ensure that gas network operators can take the necessary actions in a timely manner. Here are the key points you need to consider:

1. Submission of the LDAR Programme‍

Regulations for existing sites: Operators must submit a detailed LDAR programme to the relevant authorities no later than nine months after the regulation comes into effect (§ 1).

2. Initial LDAR Inspection‍

Gas network operators must begin LDAR inspections as soon as possible after the regulation comes into effect (04.08.2024) and complete them within 12 months (§ 2).‍

3. Regular LDAR Campaigns‍

Operators must conduct regular LDAR campaigns at their facilities. The frequency of these campaigns depends on various criteria, such as, the design pressure of gas pressure regulating and measuring systems, the material of pipework or the type of system, e.g. a compressor station (Annex 1, Part 1). (In an article we will publish in the coming weeks, we will provide detailed information on the deadlines and thresholds for methane emissions during LDAR inspections.)‍

4. Reporting and Documentation

Operators in the gas industry are required to submit an annual report to the relevant authorities, summarising the results of all LDAR inspections conducted in the previous year, as well as all repair and monitoring schedules (§ 14).

Specific Requirements and Measures for Operators in the Gas Industry

The regulation sets high standards and requires targeted measures to effectively reduce methane emissions. Let us take a look at the specific actions you need to take:

• LDAR Methods and Technologies: For repairs or replacement measures, the best available technologies on the market must be used. These modern technologies are intended to provide long-term protection against future leaks while offering the highest efficiency and sustainability in leak prevention (§ 9).
• Repair of Leaks: Leaks are initially assessed based on their size. If a leak exceeds the specified threshold of, for example, 500 ppm, it must be repaired within a set period of initially five to a maximum of 30 days after detection (§ 8 f.). Variations in repair timelines can be decided through defined exceptions. Smaller leaks must be regularly monitored for changes as part of a surveillance programme.
• Documentation and Records: Operators must keep detailed records of all LDAR activities. These records must be retained for at least ten years and made available to the relevant authorities upon request (§ 13).

Conclusion

The LDAR requirements of the new EU Methane Regulation are a crucial step in reducing methane emissions in the gas industry. Operators must ensure they take the necessary measures early to detect and repair leaks and avoid sanctions. This includes using the latest technologies, regularly inspecting all facilities, and meticulously documenting all activities, as the latter forms the foundation of all reports and analyses.

To fully meet the complex requirements of the regulation, an individual approach is helpful. atmio is here to support you in implementing the new regulations. With our comprehensive expertise and tailored solutions, we help you maximize the efficiency of your LDAR programmes while promoting environmental protection. Schedule a personal consultation with us to learn more about how we can help you successfully meet the new requirements.

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