Queen Mary academic contributes to groundbreaking study on Nord Stream methane emissions

The study, led by the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), brings together 67 scientists from 30 organisations and highlights the largest single release of methane ever recorded. 

Dr Paul Balcombe, Reader in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy at Queen Mary University of London, is among the authors of this landmark study, which finds that emissions from the Nord Stream leaks were nearly double some initial estimates. By integrating a wide range of advanced monitoring techniques, including data modelling, marine-based technology, aircraft, satellites, and stationary towers the study calculates that up to 485,000 metric tonnes of methane were released into the atmosphere. 

This release is four to five times larger than the Aliso Canyon disaster in California, making it a significant event in terms of climate impact. The volume of methane released in the Nord Stream leaks is equivalent to the near-term climate impact of over 8 million cars driven for a year. 

Dr Balcombe, an expert in methane emissions, commented on the importance of the study, saying: “As well as being an important greenhouse gas release in itself, this is a fantastic demonstration of how far we have come in terms of more accurately quantifying methane emissions: we need better measurements and a better understanding of where our emissions are coming from if we are to have any chance of meeting climate targets” 

Despite the Nord Stream event’s massive scale, the study underscores that it represents just 0.1% of humanity’s annual methane emissions, equivalent to two days of global oil and gas methane emissions. These findings highlight both the magnitude of routine emissions from human activities and the importance of international efforts such as the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030. 

The study also emphasises the importance of integrating diverse, complementary measurement approaches to create a coherent and accurate picture of methane emissions. IMEO’s efforts to provide open, reliable, and actionable data will be critical for policymakers, scientists, and industries working to tackle the urgent challenge of methane emissions. Dr Balcombe’s contribution to this important research reinforces Queen Mary’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis through cutting-edge science and international collaboration.