REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Methane to Markets

 

On July 28, 2004, the U.S. government announced the Methane to Markets Partnership. Under this program, developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition will collaborate to recover and cost-effectively use methane from landfills, coal mines, and the natural gas and petroleum systems that otherwise would have been emitted to the atmosphere.

The Methane to Markets Partnership is an action-oriented initiative that will reduce global methane emissions to enhance economic growth, promote energy security, improve the environment, and reduce greenhouse gases. Other benefits include improving mine safety, reducing waste, and improving local air quality. The initiative focuses on cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. It will be done internationally through collaboration between developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition — together with strong participation from the private sector. The Methane to Markets Partnership initially targets three major methane sources: landfills, underground coal mines, and natural gas and oil systems.

According to the U.S. EPA, the Partnership has the potential to deliver by 2015 annual reductions in methane emissions of up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent (MMTCE) or recovery of 500 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas. These measurable results, if achieved, could lead to stabilized or even declining levels of global atmospheric concentrations of methane. To give a sense of scale, this would be equivalent to:

  • Removing 33 million cars from the roadways for one year, planting 55 million acres of trees, or eliminating emissions from fifty 500 megawatt coal-fired power plants; or
  • Providing enough energy to heat approximately 7.2 million households for one year.

The Partnership was launched on November 16, 2004 when the founding countries signed the Terms of Reference. Countries that have joined the Partnership to date include:

  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Colombia
  • India
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • Nigeria
  • Russia
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

The United States intends to commit up to $53 million over the next 5 years to facilitate the development and implementation of methane projects in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The U.S. EPA will have the lead U.S. role in the Partnership, coordinating its efforts with the Department of State, DOE, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.