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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	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 (UNEP) Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0.
Key Points	Cairn has signed an MoU with UNEP’s flagship methane reporting and mitigation initiative, OGMP 2.0. Cairn is the first oil and gas company in India to join this global initiative.
Commitments of Cairn	5-Year Methane Reduction Target Under the MoU, Cairn will set a 5-year target for methane reduction. Cairn’s membership in OGMP 2.0 aligns with its commitment to becoming Net Zero Carbon by 2030.
UNEP	Established on 5th June 1972.
UNEP HQ	Nairobi, Kenya