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Reports and Studies

Statistical Reports

Our ST60B: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring and Venting Report  includes categories for emissions from glycol dehydrators, and emissions from surface casing vent flow and gas migration.

Emissions Research

We are participating in a number of studies on methane emissions. As we developed the new methane reduction requirements, we identified gaps in the current level of knowledge and understanding of the emissions landscape (e.g. equipment inventories and measurement).

By investing in research we will improve the emissions baseline accuracy and test the effectiveness of new technology. We believe this will lead to optimized regulatory stringency, greater regulatory compliance, and cost-effective solutions for industry.

Current StudiesDescription
Greenpath 2016 Alberta Fugitive and Vented Emissions Inventory Study*

The AER commissioned Greenpath’s 2016 “Alberta Fugitive and Vented Emissions Inventory Study” to understand fugitive and venting emissions in Alberta. The report helped inform technical discussions at the multistakeholder committees for methane reduction.

We used the data collected during this study to model the current distribution and inventory of pneumatic controllers in Alberta.

Alberta Methane Abatement Cost Study*The AER commissioned the Delphi Group’s June 2017 “Methane Abatement Costs” study to examine the costs associated with methane mitigation options. We used the costs published in this report to inform the economic model inputs for assessing methane emissions reductions.
Cap-Op Energy Pneumatic Inventory Study*The AER commissioned Cap-Op Energy’s March 2018 “Pneumatic Inventory Study” to understand pneumatic device populations and emissions in Alberta. We are using the data to improve the existing model and update the assumptions used for the distribution and inventory of pneumatic instruments in Alberta.
Clearstone Update of Equipment Component and Fugitive Emission Factors for Alberta Upstream Oil and Gas Study*Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN) funded the Clearstone Engineering Ltd. and Carleton University’s June 2018 “Update of Equipment Component and Fugitive Emission Factors for Alberta Upstream Oil and Gas” study, with support and collaboration from the AER. The study updates and improves equipment and component counts, and emission factors in Alberta’s upstream oil and gas industry. We used the results of this study, in combination with other sources, to update specific factors in the economic and emissions model for assessing methane emissions reductions.
Clearstone 2018 Alberta Upstream Oil & Gas Methane Emissions Inventory and Methodology*This report provides a detailed inventory of 2018 methane emissions from the upstream oil and natural gas sector in Alberta. One major data source was the Update of Equipment, Component and Fugitive Emission Factors for Alberta Upstream Oil and Gas Study prepared by Clearstone Engineering Ltd. and Carleton University.
Alternative Methane Detection Technologies Evaluation*The AER commissioned Highwood Emissions Management’s September 2024 report “Alternative Methane Detection Technologies Evaluation." The report identifies emission detection technology and workplan characteristics equivalent to various Fugitive Emission Management Program scenarios where customary detection methods (like optical gas imaging cameras or portable methane analyzers) were used at different required intervals. This report is an update to the previous December 2023 report. Model inputs from the report can be found here.

*These reports contain information provided by third parties. For additional information about the limitations and restrictions applicable to these documents, please refer to the AER Copyright and Disclaimer page.

Related Information 

We publish methane data on our Methane Performance webpages, including

  • methane emissions by facility type, production type, or area,
  • summary information on our alternative Fugitive Emissions Management Program (FEMP), and
  • measures to improve industry methane performance.

This is part of our industry performance program, which measures, evaluates, and reports on the energy development activities that we regulate.