Australia could reduce its total annual methane emissions by 18% by 2030 from coal mines alone, delivering two-thirds of its commitment in the Global Methane Pledge.
Australia could reduce its annual methane emissions by 18% by 2030 from coal mines alone.
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Methane emitted from coal mines represents 23% of Australia’s total methane emissions, second only to agriculture, however mitigating it is four times cheaper.
- This analysis finds that by focussing on coal mines alone, Australia could reduce its annual methane emissions by 18% by 2030. Coal mines could do the heavy lifting to achieve Methane Pledge targets quickly, giving time to harder to tackle sources such as agriculture to implement their mitigation strategies.
- If Australia implemented the suggested pathway, they would be on track with the IEA’s ambitious Net Zero Pathway to keep global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Australia could see CMM reductions of greater than 75% by 2030.
- Priority actions include a thermal coal phase-out by 2030, and emission reduction measures for metallurgical coal used for steel. However, no new coal mines or expansions are crucial if Australia is to see significant CMM reductions.
- Underestimated methane emissions could sabotage Australia’s climate targets. It will be necessary for mines to improve their measurements as part of mitigating emissions.
Dr Sabina Assan, Coal Mine Methane Analyst, Ember
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