Develop a vapor recovery roadmap and guidelines for leak detection and repair for the oil and gas sector

Rationale

This project responds to a request by Iraq’s Ministry of Environment to develop a vapor recovery roadmap and guidelines and training on methane leak detection and repair for the oil and gas sector. This project also aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Iraq’s Ministry of Environment to conduct monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in the oil and gas sector, building on existing MRV frameworks and guidelines.  

The Republic of Iraq in its 2021 NDC emphasizes reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector in Iraq. Mitigation measures such as conducting regular detection programs for methane leaks at oil and gas facilities for repair (LDAR) are included.  Oil and gas will be the most important sector for Iraq to tackle, both because of its significance to Iraq’s economy and because it can achieve high methane reductions at a low cost.  

This project should build on the methane mitigation assessment and legislative framework funded by the CCAC.   The project is part of CCAC's Fossil Fuels Regulatory Program (FFRP).

Objectives

• The Government of Iraq endorses a vapor recovery roadmap by project completion.
• The Government of Iraq endorses guidelines for leak detection and repair by project completion.  
• Relevant government agencies understand how to apply the guidelines by project completion.  
•  The Government of Iraq has a demonstrated increased capacity to incorporate SLCPs into the national MRV framework for the oil and gas sector by project completion.  

Activities

• Draft a vapor recovery roadmap, including a mapping of vapor recovery unit suppliers and a detailed assessment of methane emissions from crude oil storage tanks .
• Develop guidance material for leak detection and repair, including a mapping of detection and measurement suppliers and an assessment of the maintenance and operations practices that include the evaluation of current practices concerning the main leaking and venting equipment .
• Develop and deliver a train the trainer programme on methane leak detection and repair in the oil and gas sector for government officials and practitioners.
• Host awareness raising and capacity building workshops for the Ministry of Environment and other relevant national institutions.

Project Reference: [IQ-24-003] Develop a vapor recovery roadmap and guidelines for leak detection and repair for the oil and gas sector