Exploration of UK Expertise on Methane Emissions
The British Embassy in Turkmenistan, in collaboration with GIZ, facilitated a study visit to the United Kingdom from 12 to 16 October 2026. This event was tailored for senior officials from various sectors of the Turkmenistan government, including representatives from the Turkmengas and Turkmenoil State Concerns, as well as the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This visit presented a significant opportunity for the delegation to delve into the UK’s advanced expertise, regulatory frameworks, and innovative technologies aimed at monitoring, verifying, and mitigating methane emissions within the oil and gas industry. The itinerary encompassed crucial governmental, scientific, and industrial hubs located in London, Aberdeen, and Teesside.
Engagement with UK Authorities and Experts
During their time in London, the delegation interacted with leading experts from several key organisations, including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED). They also engaged with representatives from the Environment Agency and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The discussions focused on the UK’s methodologies regarding methane policy and regulation, environmental permits and compliance, as well as the measurement, monitoring, and verification of methane emissions.
Complementing their learning experience, the programme included technical visits to significant sites such as the St Fergus gas plant in Peterhead and the CATS gas terminal in Teesside. The delegation also had the opportunity to connect with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and private sector specialists in both London and Aberdeen, enhancing their understanding of the operational landscape in the UK.
Collaboration with Academic Institutions and Industry Leaders
In addition to governmental engagements, the delegation collaborated with the Greenhouse Gas Research Group at Royal Holloway, University of London. They received expert briefings from prominent companies such as Score, BP, and GHGSat, focusing on topics like fugitive emissions management and high-precision satellite monitoring techniques.
This partnership between the British Embassy in Turkmenistan and GIZ is proving fruitful, as it transforms knowledge into actionable strategies. The initiative supports Turkmenistan’s ongoing efforts to reduce methane emissions and align with international obligations under the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge.