About the initiative
Australia is an active participant and a founding member of the Global Methane Initiative (GMI) (the former Methane to Markets Partnership) that contributes to reducing methane emissions internationally.
The GMI provides an international framework involving over 40 countries to create a voluntary framework for international cooperation to reduce methane emissions and advance the recovery and use of methane as a valuable clean energy source. The GMI focuses on the development of strategies for the abatement, recovery and use of methane through technology development, demonstration and deployment.
The capacity to support portfolio objectives is demonstrated through the GMI's direct engagement with the private sector with the GMI leveraging the resources and expertise of more than 1000 Project Network members.
The GMI is also the only international agency that is focussed on the abatement of methane emissions, which is important as methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas.
Since its formation in 2004, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (the Department) has been actively involved in the GMI Steering Committee, as well as the GMI Coal Sub-committee.
Coal Mining Methane Abatement seminar
The Department in association with the GMI hosted a Coal Mining Methane Abatement seminar from 4–6 September 2012 in Sydney. The workshop provided an opportunity for domestic and international leaders from the coal mining methane abatement sector to lead discussions on opportunities and challenges in abating coal mining methane emissions. The workshop supports the CMATSP, through highlighting existing and developing coal mine methane abatement technologies from both domestic and international providers.
GMI Expo
The next GMI Expo will be held from 12–15 March 2013 in Vancouver, Canada. The Expo is a premier international forum for promoting the recovery and use of methane through new projects and technologies.
GMI Expos allow partnering countries to discuss strategies to reduce global methane emissions to enhance economic growth, strengthen energy security, improve air quality, improve industrial safety, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
More information
For more information about the GMI, go to the Global Methane Initiative website.