Estonia backs one-year delay to methane requirements

Estonia’s government has backed a European Commission proposal to delay certain verification and reporting duties under the EU methane regulation by one year, ERR reported. The government said the extra time would help prevent the requirements from limiting fuel suppliers’ options and adding to price pressures on European energy markets.

“Reducing methane emissions is important, but the requirements must be practical,” Energy and Environment Minister Erkki Keldo said. He added that the delay would give companies and producers time to put the necessary systems in place and reduce the risk of fewer suppliers and higher prices in Europe.

The proposed change mainly affects companies importing fuels into the EU from outside the bloc. They must provide data and evidence on methane emissions generated during production. If producers cannot supply that information on time, the range of eligible fuel supplies to the European market could shrink even when the fuel itself is available.

Estonia relies on regional markets and international deliveries for its gas supply, so disruption to supplies in Europe could affect gas availability and prices for Estonian consumers. The additional year would allow companies, producers in third countries and national authorities to prepare monitoring, reporting and verification systems.

The proposal would change the deadlines for certain obligations, not their substance, the government press service said. Other requirements to reduce methane emissions and provide information would remain in force.