Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is up to 82 times greater over a 20-year period, making it the second most significant contributor to climate change after CO2. It has a relatively short lifespan in the atmosphere, lasting around 12 years. Despite its environmental risk, methane is still a major component of natural gas, one of the most sought-after energy commodities in recent years. In 2022, South Korea, highly dependent on overseas energy resources, spent US$50 billion on natural gas purchases, which could have covered two years’ worth of energy commodities during pre-crisis years. If a majority of fugitive emissions, taking 71% of methane from energy industry, was captured, Korea could have renumerated this loss to a great extent.i 

As a signatory of the Global Methane Pledge (GMP), Korea has announced that it will reduce its methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. The shifting global emphasis to methane mitigation requires immediate legal actions in Korea throughout all its sectors – energy, waste, agriculture, and even industrial buildings. In this light, this report serves as a resource to understand the current regulatory landscape on methane emissions in Korea and highlights areas where regulations need to be further strengthened to reach its announced target.  

This report provides a brief survey of the existing regulations that may be able to cover methane emissions and suggests possible areas of enhancement in the quality and scope of regulations. In the following chapter, the report introduces a cross-country comparison of policy and legal developments in three regions, with an emphasis on the energy industry. A comparative analysis of the US, Canada, and European Union (EU) offers points of departure for establishing formative regulatory frameworks in Korea.  

The US provides an example of comprehensive regulations on fugitive emissions, including “super-emitters,” and support programs for low- and middle-class citizens most vulnerable to methane emissions. Canada showcases up-to-date improvements for quantifying methane emissions, and the EU features active international cooperation through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 framework. This report also adds a summary of international initiatives.  

Building upon Korea’s legal analysis and cross-country case studies on methane abatement, we conclude with the following suggestions on: 

1. strengthening regulations on energy operators, given the underestimated impact of fugitive emissions;  
2. establishing a domestic voluntary platform for the private sector to collect and report corporate data on methane emissions, in the model of OGMP 2.0;  
3. updating and calibrating quantification measures for methane emissions;  
4. reinforcing cooperation between energy importers and exporters by joining an international joint declaration. 

In introducing these policy changes, private sector’s active engagement will be essential. Countries like the US and Canada have integrated corporate contribution with their decarbonization effort, by financing new technology projects. Green technologies (i.e., particularly capturing and utilizing methane leakages) are predicted to create numerous new jobs and niche industries.  

The benefits for reducing methane emissions are crystal-clear. By capturing methane, Korea can improve its energy efficiency with little to no cost, protect the respiratory health of millions of citizens, and forge its international leadership as one of the largest energy importers. Introducing a comprehensive analysis of Korean methane regulations, this report holds key implications for policymakers, environmental NGOs, and researchers, as well as local communities exposed to fugitive methane emissions.  

※ For more details, please download the report below. 

i Fugitive emissions are defined as any leakages or discharge of gases from energy infrastructure, including daily appliances, storage tanks, and pipelines.