Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg) recently completed the technical modernization of oil and gas production infrastructure, which leads to a significant reduction in methane emissions.

The work was carried out as part of a joint decarbonization project using advanced Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) techniques, which is carried out in close cooperation with VEMA S.A. (Switzerland) and ICA-Finance AS (Norway).

The decarbonization project contributes to a significant and irreversible reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of more than 83,000 tons per year, which is equivalent to taking about 20,000 cars off the road. In addition, the project within the framework of Saneg’s activities makes it possible to increase the efficiency of monitoring emissions and reducing their negative impact on the environment.

The project was financed from the participants’ own funds with further compensation through the sale of Upstream Emission Reduction Units (UERs) received from the project. The project was developed on the basis of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology within the framework of the European Fuel Quality Directive (FQD).

Sanoat Energetika Guruhi is one of the largest oil and gas producers in Uzbekistan, accounting for 80% of oil production and 5% of gas production in the country.

VEMA S.A. has more than 25 years of experience in developing projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and introducing energy efficient technologies.

For over 15 years, ICA-Finance AS has specialized in managing projects in the field of CDM and UERs throughout the entire life cycle of carbon units with partners such as national and non-state oil and gas companies.

As part of the LDAR project, the parties carried out a thorough analysis of the cadastre of the company IP Sanoat Energetika Guruhi LLC in order to identify and eliminate methane leaks. The companies have four more projects in development.

“This is truly a joint success story that we are very pleased to share...,” says Arne Peder Blix, CEO of ICA-Finance AS, “...we intend to implement more projects in Uzbekistan as part of our commitment to providing the region with effective, high-quality emissions reductions.”

“Our company has been actively engaged in project activities in the field of energy efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, for a quarter of a century, and we are proud that we became part of a successful project in this region and were able to apply our acquired skills and many years of experience in our joint project to reduce methane leaks. We plan to use the experience gained in the future, and hope to implement a number of similar projects in the oil and gas industry of Uzbekistan, which in turn will help the country improve environmental standards,” shared Mikhail Partykevich, director of VEMA SA.

“Our joint project to decarbonize the oil and gas complex is not just technological progress, but also a striking example of how the industry can effectively combine high production performance with concern for the environment,” said Saneg CEO Tulkin Yusupov. – It is important to note that our commitment to sustainability reflects global trends, confirmed by the Republic of Uzbekistan joining the Global Methane Commitment at COP-28 in Dubai. Uzbekistan has expressed a clear intention to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, underscoring the importance of joint efforts to combat climate change. We are excited to be part of this global movement and are committed to continuing to innovate our industry to help preserve the planet for future generations.”