Indonesian coal producers are overlooking methane emissions that significantly contribute to global warming, thus ignoring the environmental impact of their operations in a country known for its high CO2 emissions, according to a study released on Monday.
Methane’s Impact on Climate Change
Responsible for about a third of the warming caused by greenhouse gases, methane is a priority for nations aiming to quickly cut emissions and mitigate climate change.
The study by the UK-based think tank Ember revealed that only four of Indonesia’s top ten coal producers include methane emissions from coal mines in their emission inventories, suggesting that the full environmental impact of coal mining in the country is not being fully accounted for.
Sustainability Reporting Concerns
“Failing to understand or accurately report these emissions undermines an enterprise’s overall sustainability reporting. It also likely represents a missed opportunity for emission reduction,” the study states.
Methane emissions from coal mine methane (CMM) at major companies “could exceed 8 million tons of CO2 equivalent, accounting for more than a third of the potential total emissions from these firms,” Ember noted in a statement.
Comparison with Other Emissions
The CMM emissions from most major Indonesian mining companies could be “equal to or greater” than their total emissions from fossil fuel combustion and purchased electricity, the study adds.
Coal mine methane (CMM) is a type of gas found at active mining sites. This gas needs to be removed from the mine air to enhance safety and prevent the uncontrolled release of methane into the atmosphere, which has significant greenhouse gas effects.
Call for Action
Ember analysts, who advocate for accelerating the transition to clean energy, urge Indonesian mining companies to start taking methane emissions seriously to meet sustainability standards.
“Measuring and reporting methane emissions will be crucial in decarbonizing coal mines and ensuring compliance with national and international standards,” asserts Dody Setiawan in the study.
Global Methane Commitment
Indonesia, heavily reliant on coal for its energy production, is a signatory of the Global Methane Pledge. Jakarta has committed to “taking comprehensive national actions to achieve a global reduction in methane emissions” by 2030.