Reducing methane emissions in the energy sector is one of the most effective tools to reduce global temperature increases, the UN concludes in Global Methane Status Report (2025)In order to eliminate methane emissions in the energy sector, the EU has drawn up en Methane Regulation, which entered into force on 4 August 2024. 

In a time of great pressure for deregulation, Denmark's leading implementation of the Methane Regulation sets an exemplary standard, says Britt Dam, climate and energy advisor at the Green Transition Denmark. 

"The Danish work to implement the requirements of the EU Methane Regulation here is highly exemplary. And it serves as concrete evidence that it can "It is possible to put ambitious rules into practice so that we can reduce climate-damaging methane emissions," she continues.

Leakage and import requirements

Internally within the EU, the Regulation requires, among other things, that operators detect and repair methane leaks from, for example, drilling platforms (so-called leak detection and repair (LDAR)). And from 2027, import requirements will be imposed on the energy that the EU receives outside the union. The import requirements mean that importers of oil, gas and coal − in order to comply with the Regulation − must, among other things, document what measures the exporters of that energy have taken to monitor, report and verify methane emissions associated with production and to detect and repair methane leaks. 

Denmark's timely and ambitious implementation has been highlighted as best practices of the European umbrella organization  Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, especially with regard to our sanctions regime. 

Green Transition Denmark has sent letters to Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen (S), who has the regulation as part of his area of ​​responsibility, and Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard (M), acknowledging Denmark's efforts in implementing the Methane Regulation in a very ambitious manner.
See below: