LNG industry could cut emissions 60% by investing $100B, IEA says

By Shelby Webb | 06/23/2025 06:15 AM EDT

The International Energy Agency said efforts to reduce leaks and flaring would be key to lowering carbon pollution from superchilled natural gas.

Part of Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass liquefied natural gas terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, is pictured.

A liquefied natural gas terminal is pictured in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Cheniere Energy

The liquefied natural gas industry could slash greenhouse gas emissions 60 percent across its supply chain using readily available technologies, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency.

IEA said in the report Friday that the global LNG industry emits about 350 metric million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year — more than Italy’s annual emissions. The number could be cut by more than half if the industry invests about $100 billion in deploying technologies that are already available, the agency said.

The largest emissions cuts could be realized by addressing methane — a greenhouse gas that is about 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

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“Tackling methane emissions is the most important and cost-effective contributor to overall emissions reductions from supply of LNG,” the report’s authors wrote.

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