NEWS

On August 5, 2024, the EU Methane Emissions Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 officially came into effect. It is a key pillar of the European Union’s "Fit for 55" climate package, aiming to significantly reduce methane emissions in the energy sector and help meet the EU’s ambitious climate goals.

Why This Regulation Is Necessary

Methane is the second most impactful human-made greenhouse gas after CO₂. Over a 20-year period, it has more than 80 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. The energy sector is one of the main sources of uncontrolled methane releases. As a result, the EU is now requiring both new and existing facilities to monitor, document, and minimize methane emissions.

Whereas the detection of leaks has previously been driven primarily by safety concerns, the new regulation introduces a parallel obligation to actively reduce emissions. Operators of gas networks and measurement systems must not only inspect their infrastructure, but also demonstrate compliance with defined emission thresholds.

What the Regulation Specifically Requires

For above-ground components in gas pressure regulating and metering systems (up to 16 bar), the permitted emission limit is:

• 1 gram of methane per hour, equivalent to approximately 1.4 liters per hour.

Compliance with this limit is now legally binding. Any exceedances must be detected, repaired, and documented. In many cases, this will also require more frequent inspection cycles and updates to existing technical equipment.

Our Measurement Devices: Already Compliant

At Mems AG, we take our responsibility seriously — both to our customers and to the environment. That’s why we are proud to say that our devices already meet the requirements of the new EU regulation.

• GasQS static operates completely emissions-free, producing no methane emissions at all.
• GasQS flonic stays well below the 1 g/h threshold and is therefore fully compliant.

With these devices, operators benefit not only from high measurement accuracy, but also from regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility — a double win.

Act Now: Evaluate Your Devices and Avoid Risk

We strongly recommend that network operators, utilities, and industrial partners:

Review the methane emissions of your current measurement devices now.

Non-compliant systems may soon lead to legal consequences, reputational damage, and financial losses.

Get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to support you in assessing your current equipment and upgrading to a future-proof, compliant solution.