The Regulation: A Quick Recap

The EU Methane Regulation mandates:

• Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) at regular intervals.
• Ban on routine venting and flaring.
• Mandatory reporting of emissions from active and inactive assets.
• Import standards requiring equivalent methane monitoring from 2027 onward.

Operators were required to submit their first LDAR survey by 5 August 2025, with repairs initiated within 5 days and completed within 30 days.

Progress and Challenges

According to the IEA’s 2025 Methane Tracker, methane emissions from EU coal mines dropped 8% in 2024—the first recorded decline. However, total global methane emissions from fossil fuels remain high at 120 million tonnes, equivalent to the EU’s entire residential gas demand. 

The European Commission is now preparing a methane transparency database and performance profiles for member states and importers, due by August 2026. From January 2027, importers must prove that fossil fuels meet EU-equivalent MRV standards. 

Despite progress, some member states have raised concerns about implementation complexity and energy security. A joint letter from several EU energy ministers in August 2025 called for simplification measures to reduce administrative burdens without compromising climate goals. 

Flir’s Role in Compliance

Flir has emerged as a key enabler of compliance, offering advanced Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) solutions tailored to EU regulations.

Flir G-Series Cameras

• Quantify leaks as small as 17 g/hr
• Provide in-camera quantification of leak size and type.
• Enable inspections 9x faster than traditional methods.
• Offers models that are certified for hazardous environments and ATEX-compliant. 

LDAR Support

Flir’s cameras support Type 1 LDAR surveys, which vary in frequency depending on facility type:

• Compressor stations & LNG terminals: Type 1 every 4 months, Type 2 every 8 months.
• Valve stations: Type 1 every 9 months, Type 2 every 18–21 months.

Training and Certification

Operators must be trained and certified to conduct LDAR inspections. Flir offers ITC courses to ensure compliance with Article 14 of the regulation. [Flir.com]

Looking Ahead

The EU’s methane regulation is not just a climate tool—it’s a transparency and energy security strategy. By enforcing strict standards on imports, the EU is reshaping global supply chains and setting a precedent for international accountability.

Flir’s technology is helping operators meet these demands efficiently and safely. As deadlines tighten and enforcement ramps up, the role of reliable, high-performance detection tools will only grow.

Methane mitigation is no longer optional—it’s operational.