1311 Figure 2 - Methane emissions in Poland in 1988 ÷ 2023. In 2023, according to the National Inventory Report 2025 - Inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and cooling in Poland for the years 1988-2023, the main sources of methane emissions were the energy (51.4%), agriculture (40.7%), and waste (7.8%) sectors. In the energy sector, the primary sources of methane emissions were: volatile emissions from fuels (42.4%, including emissions from coal mines - 35.7% and emissions from the mining, processing, and distribution of oil and gas - 6.7%) and fuel combustion (9.1%). 3. NEW EUROPEAN UNION REGULATIONS ON METHANE EMISSION REDUCTIONS On 4 August 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on the reduction of methane emissions in the energy sector and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/942 entered into force. Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 lays down detailed rules on the harmonisation and accuracy of measurement, quantification, monitoring, reporting, and verification of methane emissions, and the reduction of these emissions, in the oil, natural gas, and coal sectors in the European Union. It specifies the obligations in the field of conducting research aimed at detecting gas leaks and repairing them by implementation of mandatory LDAR (Leak Detection) programs in the oil and gas sectors and Repair) in the oil and gas sector. Introduces rules to limit methane releases into the atmosphere and flaring, while ensuring workers are protected from its emissions. It implements the requirements for conducting emission controls from coal mines, especially from ventilation shafts. Increases transparency regarding methane emission reduction requirements for the mining sector and operators introducing fossil fuels to the EU market. In addition, the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 are intended to contribute to the wider application of methane emission-reduction solutions in the European Union and worldwide. In particular, in the territory of the Republic of Poland and within the limits of the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of Poland, Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 applies to: - exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas and for the collection, processing, transmission and distribution of natural gas, - inactive wells, temporarily plugged wells and permanently plugged and abandoned wells, - underground storage and operations carried out in LNG installations, - active underground and open-pit coal mines, closed and abandoned underground coal mines, - methane emissions occurring outside the Union - in relation to oil, natural gas and coal marketed within the Union. Methane emission requirements in the coal sector Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 specifies in Chapter 4, and in particular, they concern monitoring and reporting in the case of active coal mines (Section I), reducing methane emissions from active underground coal mines (Section II) and methane emissions from closed and abandoned underground coal mines (Section III). For active underground coal mines, methane emissions include the following - methane emissions from all ventilation shafts used by mine operators who carry out continuous direct measurements at the source level and quantify in all outlet ventilation (exhaust) shafts, - methane emissions from the methane drainage station and from the methane drainage system, whether they are due to deliberate or unintentional release into the atmosphere or combustion incomplete in the torch - they conduct continuous direct measurements at the source level and make quantification of total releases of methane to the atmosphere and flared methane, regardless of the causes of such release and combustion, - methane emissions occurring during post-mining activities and in coal mine premises - mine operators estimate methane emissions from post-mining activities using annually updated post-mining emission factors based on coal samples specific to the deposits in question and in accordance with appropriate scientific standards. Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 requires operators of active underground coal mines and operators of methane drainage stations to submit, by 5th August 2025, and then by 31st May each year, to the competent
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