Methane emissions
Our approach
In 2023, recognising the importance of methane in contributing to global climate change, we set out to include methane intensity and reduction as one of our core metrics for measuring progression towards our Net Zero targets. We set a target of maintaining a methane intensity across our operated assets of less than 0.2%, in line with the NSTA recommendations.
During 2024, Ithaca Energy signed the United Nations Environment Programme Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 memorandum of understanding. We further developed our methane action plan to align with the OGMP framework, setting out a staged methane mitigation approach, focusing on each source and their materiality, and set our baseline year for reporting.
In 2025, we achieved Gold Standard Pathway certification under OGMP 2.0, reflecting the significant progress made in strengthening methane management across our operated assets. This recognition acknowledges the rapid development and implementation of robust methane action plans, enhanced governance, and a clear, credible pathway towards higher-tier methane measurement and reporting. Our achievement of Gold Standard Pathway status demonstrates the pace at which we have embedded OGMP 2.0 requirements into our environmental management systems and aligns our approach with leading international best practice
Case study: Captain
We participated in a multi-operator Joint-Industry Project (JIP) led by the Net Zero Technology Centre to advance offshore methane measurement and support future OGMP 2.0 Level 5 reporting across the UK North Sea. The Methane Measurement JIP brought together six North Sea operators and leading scientific partners to create consistent, science-driven methods for offshore methane quantification.
The Captain field was chosen as the base for the project thanks to its mix of fixed platforms and an FPSO – an ideal setup for proving technologies across varied structures and wind environments.
For industry, the campaign raises the bar on measurement accuracy, supports credible emissions reporting, and strengthens the technical foundation for OGMP 2.0 compliance.
For Ithaca Energy, participation deepened our understanding of methane behaviour and enhanced our capability to deliver more robust, defensible emissions reporting across our operated assets.
Case study: Cygnus
Cygnus achieved OGMP gold standard in 2024 by demonstrating commitment to methane quantification and reduction through a number of technical studies and measurement campaigns, involving the work of many teams – both within the Group and with some of our partners.
The results from these surveys have given us a good understanding of where and how methane is being emitted and has confirmed that Cygnus in fact emits low levels compared to the basin average. We will continue to improve on our methane reporting in line with our OGMP commitments and transfer these learnings to our other operated assets as they commence their journey on the OGMP pathway.
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