Petronas, in collaboration with key Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) energy sector players, government agencies and international organisations, has launched the ASEAN Energy Sector Methane Leadership Programme 2.0 (MLP 2.0). 

The initiative is aimed at advancing methane emissions reduction efforts in the South East Asia region.  

With the theme of 'Turning Capacity into Action', MLP 2.0 builds upon the inaugural programme and signifies a new partnership with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) to establish the Southeast Asia Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Centre (METEC). 

The programme seeks to bolster emissions reduction commitments and improve coordination between businesses and governments, aligning with the Global Methane Pledge endorsed by more than 150 countries including Malaysia.  

Petronas said the reduction of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector is a critical step towards meeting international climate objectives. 

During the 42nd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting, regional ministers expressed support for methane emissions reduction initiatives.  

The first MLP equipped South East Asian oil and gas companies with the necessary knowledge and tools for managing methane emissions through workshops and masterclasses.  

MLP 2.0 hopes to accelerate regional collaboration on methane emissions management technology, with demonstrations from partners within and beyond South East Asia.  

Contributing partners include the ASEAN Centre for Energy, Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association, Environmental Defense Fund, JOGMEC, Ministry of Economy, PetroVietnam Exploration Production Corporation, PTT Exploration and Production Public Company and Trade and Industry Japan. 

The World Bank, International Methane Emissions Observatory, United States Agency for International Development, United States Department of Energy and Woodside Energy are also among the participating entities.  

Under MLP 2.0, Petronas will work with JOGMEC to establish METEC, a first-of-its-kind centre in South East Asia, which is expected to be instrumental in enhancing regional methane emissions management by supporting measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification processes, as well as research and development initiatives. 

In a separate development, Petronas has entered into a gas sales agreement with Sabah Electricity, agreeing to supply 16 million standard cubic feet of gas per day for a five-year period.  

In August, Petronas’ unit Petronas International Corporation launched arbitration proceedings against South Sudan.