PETRONAS, in partnership with key players from the ASEAN energy sector, government agencies, and international organisations, has launched the ASEAN Energy Sector Methane Leadership Programme 2.0. Themed “Turning Capacity into Action,” this programme builds on the inaugural Methane Leadership Programme, which ran from June 2023 to October 2024. MLP 2.0 also introduces a collaboration between PETRONAS and the Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security to establish the Southeast Asia Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Centre.
MLP 2.0 seeks to strengthen emissions reduction targets and improve coordination between businesses and governments, while supporting the Global Methane Pledge, signed by over 150 countries, including Malaysia. Reducing methane emissions, particularly from the oil and gas sector, is crucial in achieving global climate goals. During the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting, the ministers welcomed initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions in the region.
Since its inception, the Methane Leadership Programme has provided oil and gas companies in Southeast Asia with workshops and masterclasses focusing on methane emissions measurement, monitoring, reporting, verification technologies, and reduction strategies. The number of MLP members has grown from 13 to 18, indicating increased regional interest and engagement.
MLP 2.0 aims to accelerate regional collaboration on methane emissions management technologies, with demonstrations from partners in and outside of the region. Contributing partners include ASCOPE, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, the Environmental Defense Fund, the World Bank, and several other prominent organisations.
This initiative is a vital part of PETRONAS’ Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Pathway and aligns with its commitments to the United Nations Environment Programme Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 and the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter. PETRONAS recently achieved the OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard Pathway for the 2023 reporting year.
A key component of MLP 2.0 is the establishment of the Southeast Asia Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Centre, a collaboration between PETRONAS and JOGMEC. METEC will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, supporting methane emissions management by overseeing measurement, monitoring, reporting, verification processes, and research and development efforts. METEC will be located at PETRONAS’ Institut Teknologi Petroleum in Bukit Rakit, Terengganu, and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in Tronoh, Perak.
For more information visit www.petronas.com
