On October 3, 2024, as part of Baku Climate Action Week, an international conference on the outcomes of the Advanced Global Methane Reduction (AGMR) initiative took place at the Stone Chronicle Museum.
Representatives from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, international oil and gas companies such as SOCAR, bp, Petronas, Baker Hughes, SLB, along with service providers, the World Bank, the Environmental Protection Fund, Imperial College London, Clean Air Task Force, Methane Guiding Principles (MGP), Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI), GHGSat, SeekOps, and other international organizations attended the conference.
Umayra Taghiyeva, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Afgan Isayev, Vice President of SOCAR, and Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli, Vice President of bp, addressed the conference, discussing the implementation of the provisions of the Paris Agreement, the importance of methane emission reduction, and ongoing decarbonization projects. They highlighted that the AGMR initiative, implemented within the "Green World Solidarity Year", promotes the reduction of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector.
The conference then continued with panel sessions focused on "Methane Scientific Research", "Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps in the Operation of the AGMR Initiative", and "Emission Measurement, Adaptation Measures, and the Role of Technology in Reduction". Participants exchanged views on the outcomes achieved through the AGMR initiative, discussed positive indicators for emission reductions, and reviewed projects that have been implemented.
During the presentations by international organizations and prominent scientists, detailed insights were shared about the dynamics of methane emissions across various sectors over the years. The discussions also highlighted innovative technologies for greenhouse gas reduction, advancements in satellite monitoring, the creation of transparent emission reporting systems, and the application of digital tools to enhance efficiency in emission reduction efforts.
SOCAR, in collaboration with bp, leads the implementation of the AGMR initiative within the framework of the Methane Guiding Principles (MGP) as industry leaders in Azerbaijan. The primary objective of this initiative is to advance methane emission measurement, reporting, and reduction activities for oil and gas operators in the country. It also aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of operators in this area while promoting the adoption of the best available technologies.