The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest Global Methane Tracker 2025 report highlights the significant contribution of methane emissions from the energy sector to global warming.
Despite the cost-effective opportunities for reducing methane emissions, emissions continue to rise and are often underreported. The report analyzes current policies and initiatives, noting that while pledges are increasing, they often lack concrete implementation plans.
The IEA’s estimates, based on satellite data, measurement campaigns, and scientific studies, are often higher than countries’ reported emissions. Existing technologies can reduce methane emissions from fossil fuels by around 70% at low or even negative cost. However, investment is hindered by factors such as lack of awareness and competing priorities.
To achieve necessary methane reductions by 2030, the oil and gas sector requires an estimated $175 billion in investment, less than 2% of the sector’s average annual net income. IEA notes that fossil fuel companies should take primary responsibility for this investment.
According to the report, Turkmenistan is among the top eight global emitters of methane from fossil fuel operations, with nearly 15 Mt of emissions in 2024. The country’s upstream methane intensity is the second-highest globally, and it has recorded 287 satellite-detected super-emitter events at oil and gas facilities in 2024, the highest number globally. Additionally, Turkmenistan has received over 600 actionable notifications from the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), the highest number for the oil and gas sector. Despite having a designated focal point for MARS and being an endorser of the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative and the Global Methane Pledge, Turkmenistan lacks specific methane reduction targets and published action plans. In its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, Turkmenistan mentions the prevention of methane leaks in the oil and gas sector with no strict targets. Implementing leak detection and repair (LDAR) measures can reduce methane emissions by 95% in Turkmenistan at no net cost.
Ultimately, swift and decisive action by governments and fossil fuel companies is crucial to mitigate the climate impacts of methane emissions and unlock the economic benefits.
