Example
Operators may vent gas during maintenance or through equipment designed to discharge it.
The catch
A controlled release can still cause greenhouse gas emissions.
Related terms
Greenhouse gas, Anthropogenic methane, Biogenic methane, Flaring, Fossil methane, Fugitive emissions
In more depth
Venting, explained.
Venting is often a design choice, which makes it one of the more straightforward sources of methane to eliminate. Gas-driven pneumatic controllers that bleed gas as they operate, tank vapours and compressor blowdowns are typical culprits in oil and gas. Replacing those devices with electric or compressed-air versions, installing vapour recovery and routing unavoidable releases to a flare are standard fixes in methane abatement.
Where gas must be released, flaring beats venting on climate grounds, because burning converts methane into CO₂, which warms far less per tonne. The EU methane regulation for oil, gas and coal prohibits routine venting and allows it only in defined cases such as emergencies, malfunctions or safety needs. Inventories may group venting with leaks. Check whether a reported figure separates intentional and accidental releases.
In the journal