2023–24 NGER methods data

Under the Safeguard Mechanism, we're required to publish information relating to the methods used by facilities to estimate fugitive methane emissions from coal mining, oil and natural gas activities.

Methane (CH4) is a type of greenhouse gas reported under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme. Fugitive emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that are unintentionally released in connection with, or as a consequence of, the extraction, processing, storage or delivery of fossil fuel.

Reporters can generally choose between 4 types of methods to estimate emissions under the NGER Scheme. Not all methods are available for all emissions sources.

Learn more about Emissions and energy types and Methods and measurement criteria.

NGER methods table

The table provides information about the methods used by facilities to estimate fugitive methane emissions from coal mining, oil and natural gas activities.

Publication notes

'Method 1' specifies the use of default emission factors in estimation of emissions. These are national averages determined by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

'Method 2' employs industry-based sampling and applies Australian or international standards to the analysis of fuels and raw materials. It enables corporations to take additional measurements to more accurately estimate emissions.

'Method 3' requires sampling and analysis based on Australian or international standards for fuels and raw materials. It is similar to Method 2 except it requires reporters to comply with Australian or international documentation standards for sampling and analysis of fuels.

'Method 4' requires direct monitoring of emission systems on a continuous or periodic basis. It is more accurate than the other methods, but it is also more data intensive.

'Other Method' indicates whether a method other than Method 1 – 4 has been used to estimate emissions. Other methods may be used to estimate emissions from minor sources in accordance with section 4.27 of the NGER Regulations.

There may be multiple methods listed for a 'Source of fugitive methane emissions' where there are separate occurrences of the same source type at the facility.