New rules will require major coal mines in NSW to directly reduce fossil methane pollution, one of the most powerful greenhouse gases speeding up global warming. Reductions in fossil methane emissions will deliver significant climate benefits this decade.
Strengthened climate change requirements for high-emitting coal mines, announced by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will require mines to capture, treat or convert fossil methane so that it is less potent and causes less damage when it is released to the environment.
EPA Chief Executive Officer Tony Chappel said the changes focus on practical and proven methane reduction measures that are already operating in parts of the industry and around the world.
“Reducing fossil methane is one of the fastest ways we can limit climate impacts in the near term,” Mr Chappel said.
“These regulatory requirements will provide certainty around the direction we expect the coal sector to head in over the next decade.
“We will continue to take a pragmatic and flexible approach as we transition the industry to consider on-site pollution reduction opportunities.
“This is an important step in the right direction and ensures real emissions reductions occur on site, rather than relying on offsets.”
Under the phase in of the new requirements, large underground coal mines must:
• Flare or use gas drained from mines with a high concentration of methane, such as by burning it for energy (which converts it to a less potent form)
• Minimise methane leaks from old mine workings by resealing mines with concrete or gravel
• Install ventilation air methane (VAM) abatement technology, if methane emissions exceed a certain concentration (0.20% VAM), or achieve an equivalent level of abatement through other methods.
The EPA will review the results of VAM abatement trials in NSW and overseas and continue to work closely with the Resources Regulator, mines and unions on next steps, including engaging through the Mine Safety Advisory Council.
The requirements will be phased in from 2027, following additional consultation with industry, community groups, unions, technical experts and government agencies. This will allow industry the time to safely operationalise any necessary technologies.
Coal mining is the largest source of fossil methane in NSW, producing around 30 per cent of the state’s methane emissions and contributing about 11 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions.
While other sectors also produce methane emissions by cycling gas already in the atmosphere, coal mining unlocks new fossil methane that has been trapped underground for millions of years.
As part of its Climate Change Action Plan, the EPA has also released new requirements that will apply to facilities that hold environment protection licences and emit more than 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2-e) per year.
While these facilities – including coal mines, large landfills and other industrial and agricultural sites – represent about 10 per cent of the EPA’s licence holders, they produce around half of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
These new rules are about increasing transparency for large emitting industries, who must annually report their emissions to EPA and clearly outline their plans for abatement.
Grant funding will be available for certain licensees to support the development of Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plans.
The guides for coal mines and large emitters can be found here: https://www.epa.nsw.gov/climate-change-requirements-licensees
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