Accelerated Methane Reduction
Designing a future interdisciplinary and shared research agenda to understand the role of methane reduction in the energy transition
Designing a future interdisciplinary and shared research agenda to understand the role of methane reduction in the energy transition
As the world confronts an energy transition, the global energy system is being re-imagined and the role of methane reduction in that transition is not entirely clear. Governments are pursuing increasingly ambitious initiatives to reduce methane emissions and diversify their energy systems. At the same time, the world is facing significant energy demand growth from emerging and developing economies. The dual pressures of reducing their carbon footprint, while also providing the necessary resources to fuel energy growth creates another layer of complexity for the oil and gas industry.
Mines and the world
The Payne Institute extends to public policy Mines’ conviction that energy and the environment must– and can – fruitfully coexist. We are in an enviable position to tap into a deep well of on-campus and alumni leaders in industry and environmental groups around the world. We foster collaboration with a focus on problem-solving rather than furthering entrenched agendas.
COLORADO
Colorado has been at the forefront of establishing regulations for the oil and gas industry and working in a coherent inclusive manner between the industry and other stakeholders. That form of broad engagement based on science should continue. It will serve to both evolve the discussion in the state and at the local level, but also serve as a lodestar for the national and global discussion.
For more information about the Accelerated Methane Reduction Initiative at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, please contact our Deputy Director, Gregory Clough, at gclough@mines.edu.
NEWS
Industry Anticipates Geothermal Energy Growth Burst in the US 3/6/2025
Industry Anticipates Geothermal Energy Growth Burst in the US
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributed to this article about how the US is hoping to take a cue from the nation of Iceland, which powers most of its electrical grid with geothermal energy, proponents say they expect a U.S. rampup as projects receive closer attention from the fossil-fuel sector, investors and the government. March 6, 2025.
Building Lower-Carbon Industry Is About Future-Proofing Our Economy 3/5/2025
Building Lower-Carbon Industry Is About Future-Proofing Our Economy
Charles McConnell and Payne Institute Accelerated Methane Reduction Initiative Director Simon Lomax write about how a growing number of states, regions, and countries are demanding lower-carbon products. There are proven technologies that can reduce the carbon intensity of essential products and future-proof American industry – but perhaps none more critical to broadly deploy than carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). March 5, 2025.
Natural gas is having a moment, but more pipelines may be needed 3/3/2025
Natural gas is having a moment, but more pipelines may be needed
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange contributes to this podcast about how as natural gas’ role in the U.S. electric grid grows, there’s also been an increase in natural gas deliveries to power plants through pipeline companies and their large transmission lines. Our electric grid is getting cleaner thanks to renewables, but so is natural gas. March 3, 2025.
With Demand Growth Across US, Geothermal is Poised for its Moment 2/25/2025
With Demand Growth Across US, Geothermal is Poised for its Moment
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributes to this article about how high-tech companies are looking for 24/7, carbon-free electricity to power their massive artificial intelligence data centers, and the “enhanced” geothermal systems developed by companies are increasingly seen as an essential part of the portfolio of resources that will be needed. February 25, 2025.
The Troubled Energy Transition 2/25/25
The Troubled Energy Transition
Payne Institute Advisory Board member Atul Arya wrote this article with Daniel Yergin and Peter Orzag about how in 2024 global production of wind and solar energy reached record levels—levels that would have seemed unthinkable not long before. Over the past 15 years, wind and solar have grown from virtually zero to 15 percent of the world’s electricity generation, and solar panel prices have fallen by as much as 90 percent. February 25, 2025.
Trump’s oil ambitions face harsh economic and geologic realities 2/18/2025
Trump’s oil ambitions face harsh economic and geologic realities
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Jennifer Miskimins, Department Head and Professor, Mines Petroleum Engineering Department, contributes to this article about how even though President Donald Trump’s plan is to “unleash” American energy, currently U.S. oil production growth is starting to dwindle. February 18, 2025.
Advancing Co2 Separation and Capture in Post-Combustion Scenarios Using Resonant Vibration Techniques 2/24/2025
Advancing Co2 Separation and Capture in Post-Combustion Scenarios Using Resonant Vibration Techniques
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Amirhosein Riahi, Julie Muretta, and Richard LaDouceur write about how carbon dioxide (CO2) requires specialized capture methods for effective mitigation. Biochar has garnered significant interest as a versatile, porous solid adsorbent due to its cost-effective production, thermal, chemical, and mechanical stability, and minimal environmental impact. However, its small surface area and diffusional issues result in slow CO2 adsorption kinetics and limited capacity, hindering widespread adoption. February 14, 2025.
Restarting US LNG Permitting Brings Geopolitical Benefits and the Potential for Climate Progress
Restarting US LNG Permitting Brings Geopolitical Benefits and the Potential for Climate Progress
Payne Institute Accelerated Methane Reduction Initiative Director Simon Lomax, Payne Deputy Director Greg Clough, and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how one of the first actions of the new Trump administration was ending a year-long moratorium on permitting new export terminals for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). The so-called “pause” on LNG approvals, imposed in the final year of the Biden administration, was hailed by anti-fossil fuel groups and condemned by U.S. energy producers. February 10, 2025.
Evolution of The Carbon Market for Addressing Distressed and Abandoned Assets 2/7/2025
Evolution of The Carbon Market for Addressing Distressed and Abandoned Assets
Payne Institute Energy Finance Lab Program Director Brad Handler addressed attendees at the inaugural SPE Decarbonization Congress in Texas on the evolution of carbon markets to finance the decommissioning of primarily orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells. Attached are his slides and prepared remarks. February 7, 2025.
Payne Institute for Public Policy to convene on minimizing methane emissions
Payne Institute for Public Policy to convene on minimizing methane emissions
The Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines is pleased to announce two upcoming events focused on strategies to reduce methane emissions in the production and distribution of natural gas. These events will bring together experts from industry, academia and policy organizations to discuss emerging technologies, data science, market trends and regulatory developments in methane management. January 31, 2025.
Managing Methane: Technology and Markets in an Evolving Regulatory Landscape – Webinar – February 12, 2025.
Accelerated Methane Reduction Symposium – March 6 and 7, 2025.