Update

ARPA-E Program Director Dr. Jack Lewnard held a webinar on reducing methane emissions on November 10, 2020. Presentation slides from the webinar are available here. A video recording of the presentation can be seen below:

ARPA-E hosted a virtual workshop on October 20th 2020 to explore new routes to prevent and/or abate anthropogenic methane emissions. The goal of the workshop was to reverse the rate of accumulation of methane in the atmosphere, resulting in a decrease in atmospheric methane concentration. Registration was required to be able to participate in the workshop, and space was limited to 125 participants.

The scope of the workshop was broad. Participants discussed a wide range of anthropogenic sources and potential technical approaches requiring advances in biology, materials, catalysts, and physics. Participants discussed how the technical approaches can be formed into system-level products or services, which incorporate integrated methane prevention/abatement processes and monitoring/control system. Given the diversity of methane sources we anticipate that multiple approaches will be required. ARPA-E is soliciting participants with novel concepts that could:

1. A) Prevent methane emissions from anthropogenic activities. Examples include addressing improperly abandoned coal mines and oil and gas wells; plugged oil and gas wells that leak; uncontrolled landfill gas; and agricultural-related emissions from farming and ruminants. ARPA-E seeking novel approaches beyond industry’s current work to address equipment malfunctions, reduce methane vented from valves and seals, and reduce methane releases during drilling.
2. B) Abate methane emissions at the source (stack, vents, leaks, etc.). Methane slip from gas-fired engines and in flares are of interest.
3. C) Remove methane from the air. Examples include approaches which enhance natural sinks for methane, including oxidation reactions in the troposphere and mineralization (i.e. biological oxidation of methane to CO₂) in soils. 

The primary goal is elimination of methane - ie converting methane to CO₂ or biomass is sufficient.  It is not required to convert the methane to a high-value products. Processes intended to obviate flaring by creating high-value products will not be discussed.

Given the focus on system-level products or services, we are also seeking experts in methane emission quantification and organizations, interested in commercializing methane reduction technologies.

The initial agenda includes brief overviews of sources and potential technical approaches, and includes two break-out sessions.

Additional Information

     -- Link to Request for Information https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Default.aspx#FoaId70a4dc16-ae6b-409e-8f2f-75f4d4e063df Additional information:

     -- Link to Blog – https://arpa-e.energy.gov/news-and-media/blog-posts/prevention-and-abatement-methane-emissions

     -- Teaming Partner List – https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/ - soon

ARPA-E workshops are open to the public, but capacity is limited and invitations are required. To request an invitation for yourself or a colleague, please send an email with your name, affiliation, phone number, and academic CV to Maruthi.Devarakonda@hq.doe.gov.

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