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Press Releases
The following press releases highlight Methane to Markets Partnership announcements and activities:
- EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (22 December 2008)
- U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishments – Third Annual Report (1 December 2008)
- Clearinghouse Opens Doors to Methane Reductions in India (17 November 2008)
- $4.5 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change Through Methane-Energy Project Grants (9 October 2008)
- EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (6 December 2007)
- Methane to Markets Partnership Expo Advances 91 New Projects at First International "Methane Capture Marketplace" (31 October 2007)
- Methane to Markets Partnership Expo: Beijing, China (30 October - 1 November 2007)
- U.S. Government Accomplishments Report in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (2 October 2007)
- International Landfill Database (26 September 2007)
- $2 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change Through Methane-Energy Project Grants (18 September 2007)
- EPA launches Coal Mine Methane projects database (18 June 2007)
- Methane to Markets Three-sector Workshop in India (22-23 February 2007)
- U.S. EPA and India Establish Coal Mine/Coalbed Methane Information Clearinghouse (16 November 2006)
- U.S. Reports Economic, Energy and Environmental Benefits from Methane to Markets Partnership (7 November 2006)
- U.S. EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (11 October 2006)
- Natural Gas STAR International launched: A U.S. government program to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (26 September 2006)
- U.S., China Collaborate on Largest Coal Mine Methane Gas Power Plant in the World (18 May 2006)
- United States and Mexico Pledge to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (24 March 2006)
- India Moves from Landfill Gas to Clean Energy (17 March 2006)
- U.S., International Partners Pledge Faster Greenhouse Gas Reductions with Methane Program (7 November 2005)
- 13 Countries Join United States in Launching Methane to Markets Partnership (16 November 2004)
2008
EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (22 December 2008)
EPA's Methane to Markets Partnership issued a major request for initial proposals (RFP) to fund projects and activities that advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.
The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is up to $7 million. EPA expects to award up to forty cooperative agreements through this announcement, ranging in value from approximately $100,000 to $700,000.
EPA seeks proposals from organizations including international governments, not-for-profit organizations, states, local governments, and universities. Successful proposals will promote project development internationally. The estimated project period for awards is September 2008 through September 2011.
For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, see: http://www.methanetomarkets.org 
More information about grants >>
News Brief >>
U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishments – Third Annual Report
EPA released its third annual report showing the U.S. federal government's international leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership.
To date, the U.S. has provided over $28.5 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. U.S. investments have leveraged over $271 million in public and private sector contributions. This year the U.S. has continued to emphasize supporting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies at potential project sites, while continuing to address market, institutional, and other barriers to project development and building capacity through technology transfer and training. These efforts are directly leading to the future implementation of full-scale projects in many Partner Countries, which, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 24 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This is nearly triples the results from activities undertaken in 2006.
The U.S. Government's Methane to Markets Partnership Accomplishment report summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities the U.S. has supported that promote methane capture and use internationally. The report was developed collaboratively by EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
View the Report (PDF) >> (28 pp, 1.8MB)
Press Release >>
Clearinghouse Opens Doors to Methane Reductions in India (17 November 2008)
The Methane to Markets program helped India open the doors to a Coal Mine/Coalbed Methane (CMM/CBM) Clearinghouse, or information center, that will support methane emission reductions and aid in the global fight against climate change. The CMM/CBM Clearinghouse is the first of its kind in India and will be instrumental in facilitating the development of methane recovery and use projects. The Clearinghouse, located at the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute in Ranchi, will be the initial point of contact for domestic and international investors interested in the development of coalbed and coal mine methane projects in India. It will also help develop and promote the CMM/CBM market by providing information on technical, economic, financial, and policy issues to potential investors and service providers.
Kickoff event info: www.IndiaCBM-CMM.govtools.us
For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, visit: http://www.methanetomarkets.org
$4.5 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change Through Methane-Energy Project Grants (9 October 2008)
U.S. EPA is announcing the award of approximately $4 million to fund projects and activities that work to advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership in Argentina, Brazil, China, Ecuador, India, Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Poland, Thailand, and Ukraine. The award of this series of grants is the result of a December 2007 solicitation issued by EPA and provides significant new funding for methane capture and use projects and activities in the landfill, coal, agriculture and oil & gas sectors. These assistance agreements are being awarded to support a variety of Partnership activities designed to remove technical or informational barriers to successful methane capture and use projects around the world. Funded projects include training and capacity building, development of databases and information clearinghouses for potential sites, feasibility studies, technology transfer, and project expositions.
For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, visit:
http://www.methanetomarkets.org
The full list of 2008 Grantees >>
EPA Press Release >>
2007
EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (6 December 2007)
EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership issued a major request for initial proposals (RFP) to fund projects and activities that advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.
The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is up to $7 million. EPA expects to award up to 40 cooperative agreements through this announcement, ranging in value from approximately $100,000 to $700,000.
EPA seeks proposals from organizations including international governments, not-for-profit organizations, states, local governments, and universities. Successful proposals will promote project development internationally. The estimated project period for awards is September 2008 through September 2011.
Proposals are due by February 22, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EST. All proposals, however transmitted, must be received by EPA or through grants.gov (RFP number EPA-OAR-CCD-08-01) by the closing date and time to receive consideration. See complete information for preparing and submitting a proposal (PDF) (18 pp, 149K, About PDF). Questions and Answers, dated December 3, 2007 (PDF) (4 pp, 30K)
For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, see: http://www.methanetomarkets.org.
More information about grants >>
News Brief >>
Methane to Markets Partnership Expo Advances 91 New Projects at First International "Methane Capture Marketplace" (31 October 2007)
The Methane to Markets Partnership Expo, the premier international forum for promoting methane recovery-and-use project opportunities and technologies, was held in Beijing, China from October 30 to November 1, 2007. Over 700 participants from 34 countries–representing government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations–shared expertise and developed strategies to advance cost-effective, near-term projects to reduce methane emissions. The Expo celebrated the third anniversary of the Methane to Markets Partnership.
The Expo's "International Methane Capture Marketplace" was the first international forum devoted entirely to methane project opportunities and technologies. The event showcased 91 potential projects in multiple sectors which, if fully implemented, are estimated to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 11.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MMTCO2E) by 2015.
For more information about the Methane to Markets Partnership Expo, visit http://www.methanetomarkets.org/expo/
Methane to Markets Partnership Expo: Beijing, China (30 October - 1 November 2007)
The Methane to Markets Expo will mark the three-year anniversary of the Partnership's launch. The Expo will be the premier international forum for promoting project opportunities and technologies for methane recovery and use in each of the four Methane to Markets sectors: agriculture, coal mining, landfills, and oil and gas systems. The Expo's "International Methane Capture Marketplace" will catalyze new projects by bringing together international projects in search of financing with potential investors and technology partners. As many as 20 potential new projects are expected to be highlighted at the conference.
U.S. EPA and China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) will co-host the Expo, in cooperation with several key Chinese ministries and corporations. Additionally, an array of international organizations will participate in the Expo as organizing sponsors.
The Expo will be held in Beijing's China World hotel and up to 600 participants are anticipated from the public and private sector from countries spanning the globe. They will hear from key Chinese Ministers and public and private sector speakers on the importance of capturing and using methane as a greenhouse gas reduction strategy. Key policy and technical workshops and a business leadership roundtable will provide even more detail on how Methane projects yield economic, environmental and safety benefits that can be multiplied globally through increased use of existing technologies.
U.S. Government Accomplishments Report in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (2 October 2007)
EPA released its annual report showing the U.S. federal government's leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership.
To date, the U.S. has provided over $18 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. U.S. investments have leveraged over $261 million in public and private sector contributions. This year the U.S. has put greater emphasis on supporting pre-feasibility and feasibility studies at potential project sites, while continuing to address market, institutional, and other barriers to project development and building capacity through technology transfer and training. These efforts are directly leading to the future implementation of full-scale projects in many Partner Countries, which, when fully implemented, will deliver estimated annual emissions reductions of more than 9 MMTCO2E. This is nearly double the results from activities undertaken in 2005.
The U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership report summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities the U.S. has supported that promote methane capture and use internationally. The report was developed collaboratively by EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
View the Report >>Press Release >>
International Landfill Database (26 September 2007)
The Methane to Markets International Landfill Database was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Landfill Methane Outreach Program. The database serves as a Web-based, voluntary data repository to promote the development of landfill gas energy projects. The application is being launched for data entry and we anticipate increasing amounts of landfill information in the upcoming months. The success of this database relies on Methane to Markets Partner Countries, Project Network members, and affiliates entering landfill-specific data. The database can be used to identify suitable landfills for landfill gas to energy project evaluation.
Content and Functionality
The International Landfill Database has the capability to store the following types of landfill data: general location and contact information, landfill physical characteristics, gas collection system characteristics, waste characteristics, landfill operations, and additional information and comments.
The International Landfill Database can be queried by country, city, or landfill name. In addition to these queries, users are encouraged to enter new landfills in the database.
Access
Access to the International Landfill Database is open to the general public, however a user name and password are required to enter or modify data in the database. Users can create a user name and password with a valid e-mail address. For more information about the International Landfill Database, or for assistance in using the database, contact Brian Guzzone, (Guzzone.Brian@epa.gov), U.S. EPA LMOP, at +1 202-343-9248.
$2 million Awarded to Help Fight Climate Change Through Methane-Energy Project Grants (18 September 2007)
EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership is announcing the award of $2 million for projects and activities that will advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and Ukraine. These assistance agreements to governments, universities, laboratories, and nonprofit institutions are being awarded as the result of an October 2006 solicitation issued by EPA. An additional $1 million in grants are expected to support international methane reduction work in the countries listed above as well as in Colombia, Ecuador, and Vietnam.
Funded projects include training and capacity building, development of databases and information clearinghouses for potential sites, feasibility studies, technology transfer, and project expositions. More detailed information on the recipients’ projects will be posted soon.
For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, visit http://www.methanetomarkets.org
EPA launches Coal Mine Methane projects database (18 June 2007)
The International Coal Mine Methane Projects Database contains information on over two hundred coal mine methane recovery and utilization projects operating, in development, or planned around the world in both Methane to Markets partner and non-partner countries.
Methane to Markets Three-sector Workshop in India (22-23 February 2007)
On February 22nd and 23rd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and the Government of India jointly organized a two-day workshop on the Methane to Markets Partnership and methane recovery and use project opportunities in India. The workshop provided an introduction to the Partnership and specific technical and project level discussions in three industry sectors: coal mining, landfills, and oil and natural gas.
The meeting was held at FICCI's building in Delhi and attracted more than 100 participants. Presentations were given by a diverse set of speakers from government, academia and the private sector. The workshop featured three separate technical workshops (focused on coal, landfills, and oil & gas sectors) along with an opening plenary session with keynote speakers from the nodal Indian Ministries, the U.S. Embassy and from the USEPA.
The Indian Minister of Environment, Dr. Prodipto Ghosh, headlined the plenary session and provided an overview on why methane reductions in India are important and how the Methane to Markets Partnership can contribute. FICCI will be developing an action plan based on a facilitated discussion that was held in each sector session in order to use the momentum from this workshop to push forward on project development in India in the three targeted sectors. There was also discussion of launching an initiative in the animal waste management sector.
2006
U.S. EPA and India Establish Coal Mine/Coalbed Methane Information Clearinghouse (16 November 2006)
Representatives of U.S. EPA and the Indian government signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Coalbed Methane/Coal Mine Methane (CBM/CMM) Clearinghouse (or "information center") in India. The Clearinghouse will be instrumental in facilitating the development of projects under the international Methane to Markets Partnership, of which India and the U.S. are Partners.
The India CBM/CMM Clearinghouse will be a leading information source about coalbed methane and coal mine methane project opportunities in India. It will be the initial point of contact for domestic and international investors, and will promote the development of CBM/CMM projects in India. U.S. support will ensure methane emissions reductions and long-term sustainability with the world's third largest coal producer.
U.S. Reports Economic, Energy and Environmental Benefits from Methane to Markets Partnership (7 November 2006)
U.S. EPA released a report showing the U.S. federal government’s leadership in capturing and using methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as a clean energy source through the Methane to Markets Partnership. To date, the U.S. has provided over $5 million to support a wide range of projects and activities. More importantly, U.S. investments have leveraged over $235 million in public and private sector contributions.
The U.S. Government Accomplishments in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership summarizes the contributions of participating U.S. government agencies and highlights the projects and activities the U.S. has supported that promote methane capture and use internationally. The report was developed collaboratively by U.S. EPA, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Read the report.
U.S. EPA Releases Grant Solicitation in Support of the Methane to Markets Partnership (11 October 2006)
U.S. EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership issued a major request for proposals (RFP) to fund projects and activities that advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. The total estimated amount for this competitive funding opportunity is $2,500,000. U.S. EPA expects to award up to twenty cooperative agreements through this announcement, at $25,000 to $300,000 per award.
U.S. EPA sought proposals from international governments—as well as not-for-profit organizations—that will promote project development internationally with a special focus on activities in the following Methane to Markets Partner countries: Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, and Ukraine. The estimated project period for awards is May 2007 through May 2009.
For general information about the Methane to Markets Partnership, visit www.methanetomarkets.org.
Natural Gas STAR International launched: A U.S. government program to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (26 September 2006)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) officially introduced its new Natural Gas STAR International Program at a ceremony, in which the agency recognized charter partners from the oil and gas industry for their commitment to environmental protection and energy security. This partnership supports the international Methane to Markets Partnership and complements the existing suite of successful U.S. international climate change programs.
The Natural Gas STAR International Program is a partnership program between U.S. EPA and the oil and gas industry that will identify and implement projects to cost-effectively reduce methane emissions worldwide. Charter partners participating in today’s ceremony included ConocoPhillips Canada, Devon Energy Corporation, Enbridge Energy Company, Inc., ExxonMobil Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and TransCanada. This event was held during a major conference co-sponsored by U.S. EPA, the Methane to Markets Partnership, and the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA).
Press Release >>
Conference Details >>
U.S., China Collaborate on Largest Coal Mine Methane Gas Power Plant in the World (18 May 2006)
Today at a signing ceremony in Beijing, U.S.-based engine manufacturer Caterpillar, Inc. was awarded a $58-million dollar contract to supply all the power generation equipment for the world’s largest power plant fueled by coal mine methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that can be used as a clean energy source.
The power plant will produce 120 megawatts of electricity from coalbed and coal mine methane from the Sihe mine, in addition to exhaust gas heat that will be recovered to produce usable hot water and steam for the mining operations.
Once the project has been completed, an estimated 40 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions will be avoided over a 20-year period. This is equal to emissions from one million cars annually.
This project is the result of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors through the Methane to Markets Partnership, a U.S.-led initiative that now includes 17 Partner countries. The Partnership was launched in November 2004 to advance cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a source of clean energy.
United States and Mexico Pledge to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions (24 March 2006)
U.S. EPA, USAID, and the Mexican Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) took a concrete step towards the implementation of methane utilization projects in Mexico today. At a ceremony presided over by U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock, USAID Acting Administrator Frederick Schieck, and SEMARNAT Undersecretary José Ramón Ardavín Ituarte, the three agencies signed a Letter of Cooperation stating their commitment to collaborate on Methane to Markets activities in Mexico. The United States and Mexico are two of the 17 countries currently participating in the Methane to Markets Partnership, an international initiative launched in November 2004 to advance cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a source of clean energy.
Under the terms of today's letter of cooperation, U.S. EPA, USAID, and SEMARNAT will work together to further the Partnership's mission by sharing and expanding the use of technologies to recover and use methane gas currently released from natural gas and oil systems, landfills, underground coal mines, and agricultural operations. Methane is an important greenhouse gas, 23 times as effective as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the earth's atmosphere. Reducing methane emissions improves the environment while also enhancing public health and promoting economic growth.
Press Release >>
Letter of Cooperation between USAID, U.S. EPA, and SEMARNAT >> (PDF, 18 pp., 390 KB, About PDF)
India Moves from Landfill Gas to Clean Energy (17 March 2006)
As the third largest methane-emitting country in the world, India is working to develop clean energy sources that can yield substantial economic, environmental and health benefits for its citizens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are partnering with stakeholders from India’s solid waste industry, finance community, and national government to capture and reuse landfill methane gas under U.S. EPA’s Methane to Markets Partnership.
Methane emissions from the solid waste sector in India are projected to increase significantly over the next 15 years. Reusing landfill methane gas for energy purposes has the potential to mitigate 5.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is equal to the annual emissions from one million vehicles. Currently, there are no operational landfill gas-to-energy projects in India but several large sites in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities could support the clean energy projects.
U.S. EPA will collaborate with India to advance project development through technical assistance, technology transfer opportunities, pre-feasibility studies, and demonstration projects. The program will help promote clean energy, energy security, improved public health, and economic opportunities.
2005
U.S., International Partners Pledge Faster Greenhouse Gas Reductions with Methane Program (7 November 2005)
United States government officials and their counterparts in 16 countries committed to accelerated action to recover and use methane as a clean energy source at the second annual Methane to Markets Partnership meeting. Key actions include the addition of Ecuador as the 17th member of the partnership and a commitment from the partners to increase participating countries and the number of projects worldwide.
2004
13 Countries Join United States in Launching Methane to Markets Partnership (16 November 2004)
EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt is joining representatives from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom today in signing a Terms of Reference formally creating the Methane to Markets Partnership. This new global initiative serves to advance international cooperation on the recovery and use of methane as a valuable clean energy source. Methane to Markets has the potential to reduce net methane emissions by up to 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent annually by 2015 and continue at that level or higher in the future. This would be the carbon equivalent of removing 33 million cars from roadways for one year or eliminating emissions from 50 500-megawatt coal-fired power plants.