Capacity-building and training

UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) is working with countries to strengthen their understanding of methane emissions and to help stakeholders translate data into action and effective decision making.

As part of its efforts to drive concrete methane mitigation action, IMEO has developed a series of courses on identifying, managing and mitigating methane emissions to support governments and national oil companies.

All IMEO courses are provided at no charge.

Source: IMEO

Learning opportunities for participants

Discuss specific technical topics related to fossil fuel emissions with international organizations, non-governmental organizations and other governments to identify opportunities for methane mitigation.
Engage with companies in efforts to reduce methane emissions.
Discuss with national stakeholders the impact of methane emissions, the low cost of mitigation, and pursue options for near-term emissions reduction.
Explore further collaboration opportunities with IMEO, including the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), scientific measurement studies, membership in the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) and avenues for policy and legislative support.

IMEO's methane training series for the oil and gas sector

IMEO’s methane training series for the oil, gas and coal sectors was developed in collaboration with Carbon Limits and Environmental Defense Fund.

Training sessions

Countries

1700 +

Trained individuals

Summary of Module Content and Objectives

	Description
Module 1: Methane emissions in the oil and gas sector	Defines terminology related to methane and identifies major emissions sources from oil and gas sector. Explores how countries and companies can reduce emissions in pursuit of ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Discusses the Paris Agreement, the importance of mitigating methane emissions and contributions from the oil and gas sector.
Module 2: Methane detection, measurement and quantification	Outlines currently available technologies to detect and measure emissions and best methodologies for quantification of total emissions. Covers information on emissions inventory, toolbox to develop an inventory and detection, measurement and quantification of emissions.
Module 3: Methane mitigation	Details major sources of methane emissions, cost-effective abatement, potential mitigation activities through the efforts of governments, regulators and operating companies.
Module 4: Advanced upstream methane emissions	Delivers technical information on existing best practices and technologies for detection, measurement, quantification and mitigation of upstream methane emissions. Provides information on current and new methane detection and measurement technologies, leak detection and repair, and major methane mitigation options.
Module 5: Regulatory approaches to methane emissions	Covers key considerations and best practices when developing and implementing methane policies and regulations for the oil and gas sector.
Module 6: Satellite technology	Reviews the main characteristics, limitations, and potential of satellites for methane detection, measurement, and quantification and applicability to government and company practices.
Module 7: Flaring	Explains major characteristics and challenges that flaring activities pose and offers different tools available for measurement, quantification and mitigation of flaring emissions. Provides a detailed explanation of the flaring system, main characteristics and challenges posed by flaring to climate change, and tools available for measurement, quantification and mitigation of flaring emissions.
Module 8: Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)	Provides an overview of methane emission sources from LNG and mitigation options, in addition to elements of policy and expected market developments specific to LNG.
The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership OGMP 2.0	Provides an overview of OGMP 2.0, covering the reporting framework, requirements, and reporting levels. Highlights the benefits of joining the initiative, offering insights into how it supports methane emissions management and transparency.
IMEO’s Methane Alert and Response System (MARS)	Explains the key components of MARS, which leverages expert-validated satellite data to drive mitigation actions. Illustrates the potential benefits for government stakeholders and national oil companies that engage in cooperation with MARS, enhancing their capacity for methane emissions management.

IMEO’s coal mine methane training for the metallurgical coal and steel sectors

	Description
Module 1: The environmental challenge of coal mine methane	Provides an overview of methane emission sources of coal mines with a focus on metallurgical coal, and the opportunities for mitigation in this sector.
Module 2: Understanding the nature of coal mine methane emissions	Provides an overview of the geological origins of coal mine methane emissions. Explores mining types and emission sources.
Module 3: Quantification and reporting of coal mine methane emissions	Dives into measurement technologies for coal mines. Explores quantification methods and reporting methane emissions.
Module 4: Mitigation of coal mine methane emissions	Provides an overview of mitigation options including abatement costs and potential, covering market incentives, policies and reporting frameworks.

IMEO’s advanced training on satellite-based detection of methane emissions

This training has been designed to provide practical guidance on the analysis, interpretation and application of satellite data to stakeholders looking to cut methane emissions.

	Description
Module 1: Basics of remote sensing and the science of methane detection	Covers the science of why we can “see” methane with satellites, the types of satellites available, basic specifications of each and factors affecting satellite detection.
Module 2: Satellite detection and response: Turning methane data into action	Explores how satellite-based methane detections can be transformed into real-world mitigation. Explores how open data is consolidated on IMEO’s Eye on Methane Data Platform, which integrates satellite observations, company reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) and independent methane science studies.
Module 3: Technical deep dive into satellite data and applications	Builds knowledge on the characteristics of data provided by satellites, and how these can be applied in parallel with other databases to determine sources of emissions and potential operators. Provides an overview of satellite detection and attribution methodology. Builds knowledge on the application of satellite data for operators and policymakers.

Who can sign up?

The courses are offered to policymakers, regulators and employees of national oil companies worldwide. They can be delivered virtually or in-person in a workshop tailored to a country's specific needs and the technical knowledge of the audience. Course availability is subject to capacity.

IMEO Alumni

All course participants are invited to join a LinkedIn network of alumni to interact, exchange and keep abreast of developments in the sector. Alumni also receive invitations to upcoming courses, demos and events.

Contact us

For more information, or to request a workshop, please fill out the Training information request form.

To find out more, visit IMEO Capacity-Building.