Cairn Joins UNEP’s OGMP 2.0 as India’s First Oil & Gas Pioneer

Cairn Oil & Gas, a part of Vedanta Group, has become the first oil and gas producer in India to join the United Nations Environment Programme’s Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0. By signing this agreement, Cairn committed to reducing methane emissions effectively, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability in the oil and gas sector.

Key Highlights

MoU Signed with OGMP 2.0

• Cairn has signed an MoU with UNEP’s flagship methane reporting and mitigation initiative, OGMP 2.0.
• Through this partnership, Cairn aims to implement effective strategies for methane emissions reduction.

India’s First Oil & Gas Producer in OGMP 2.0

• Cairn is the first oil and gas company in India to join this global initiative.
• This move is set to inspire other companies in the country’s oil and gas sector to adopt methane management practices.

About OGMP 2.0

Comprehensive Emissions Management Framework

• OGMP 2.0 offers a robust framework with best practices for emissions management and a reporting system that emphasizes Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of methane emissions.
• The initiative aims to improve the accuracy and quality of emissions data.

Global Reach

• OGMP 2.0 currently covers over 40% of global oil and gas production.
• This widespread reach encourages companies globally to focus on methane reduction and aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge.

Cairn’s Commitments and Goals

• 5-Year Methane Reduction Target

• Under the MoU, Cairn will set a 5-year target for methane reduction.
• Progress will be reported transparently to OGMP, allowing Cairn to monitor and cost-effectively mitigate emissions.

Net Zero Carbon Goal by 2030

• Cairn’s membership in OGMP 2.0 aligns with its commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
• This early achievement in methane reduction supports Cairn’s broader environmental and sustainability goals.

Use of Data for Emission Analysis and Reduction

• Cairn will leverage detailed emissions data to analyze its methane emission profile.
• This data-driven approach will support more effective and targeted methane reduction strategies.

Statements from Key Leaders

Giulia Ferrini, OGMP 2.0 Programme Manager

• Welcomed Cairn to the partnership, expressing hope that it would encourage other Indian companies to join and improve methane management practices.

Hitesh Vaid, Chief Financial Officer, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Ltd

• Emphasized Cairn’s ESG strategy, which includes renewable energy, carbon capture, waste-to-energy projects, and nature-based carbon solutions.
• Noted that OGMP 2.0 membership will help drive broader industry transformation toward responsible and sustainable energy practices.

Broader Implications

Support for Global Methane Pledge and Paris Agreement

• OGMP 2.0 provides a science-backed framework for companies to demonstrate their progress toward methane reduction, in line with global climate goals.
• The Global Methane Pledge, endorsed by over 150 countries, aims to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030.

United Nations Environment Programme

• The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on 5th June 1972.

Functions 

• It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.

Major Reports

• Emission Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.

Headquarters

• Nairobi, Kenya.