Fugitive emissions refer to the unintentional and often undesirable release of gases or vapors from industrial equipment and processes—most commonly in oil and gas operations, chemical facilities, and coal mines. Unlike emissions that are deliberately vented through stacks or flares, these emissions escape through leaks in valves, flanges, tanks, and pipelines—typically going unmeasured.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these emissions include greenhouse gases that are unintentionally produced or vented, often through equipment leaks or diffuse losses.1,2
Image Credit: CandyRetriever/Shutterstock.com
Sources of Fugitive Emission
Most fugitive emissions originate within the oil and gas sector, spanning upstream extraction, midstream transport, and downstream processing, along with emissions from coal mining and distribution. In oil and gas, methane can leak during drilling, due to worn seals or gaskets, during maintenance, or from flaring and abandoned wells. Refineries and petrochemical plants also have many potential leak points—especially at valves, seals, and joints.1,2
Coal mining contributes as well. Methane trapped in coal seams is released during both surface and underground mining operations. Added to that, the infrastructure used for transporting and storing coal and gas compounds the problem. Even flaring, though intentional, is often categorized as fugitive due to inefficiencies that lead to unburned methane escaping.1,2
Download your free PDF copy now to learn more!
Why Fugitive Emissions Matter—and How Widespread They Are
Fugitive emissions are more than a technical nuisance—they have serious environmental and climate consequences, particularly due to methane, the primary component of natural gas. Over a 100-year period, methane has roughly 28 times the global warming potential (GWP) of carbon dioxide.2 This potency means that even relatively small leaks can undermine the climate advantages of switching from coal or oil to gas.
For instance, the climate benefit of using natural gas instead of coal depends on keeping methane leakage below 3 % for power plants and 1 % for vehicles. Unfortunately, real-world leakage rates frequently exceed those thresholds, offsetting expected emission reductions.2
Beyond its impact on global warming, methane also contributes to local air pollution by forming ground-level ozone, which is harmful to both human health and ecosystems.
Compounding the issue is the scale of the problem, which continues to grow as detection methods improve. Fugitive emissions are estimated to account for around 5 % of total global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions—a figure likely to rise as more accurate measurements reveal previously hidden leaks.
One landmark study published in Science found that methane emissions from US gas production, transport, and processing average 2.3 % of total output, roughly 60 % higher than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previous estimates.2,3 This suggests that official data may be systematically undercounting the actual climate burden of fugitive emissions.
Detection and Monitoring Technologies
Because fugitive emissions are often invisible, intermittent, and scattered, detecting them poses a major challenge. Traditional methods relied on periodic manual inspections using portable analyzers—useful, but limited in scope and frequency. Today, technology offers more powerful and scalable solutions.
Infrared cameras, also known as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI), now allow field operators to visually detect methane leaks in real time. Drones equipped with gas sensors or spectrometers can survey large or hard-to-reach areas, such as pipelines, storage tanks, and mining sites.4,6 Meanwhile, satellite-based systems use hyperspectral imaging to detect and quantify emissions across entire regions, providing valuable data to regulators and companies alike. On the ground, networked sensors offer near-continuous monitoring, instantly flagging anomalies and triggering maintenance alerts.
Solutions and Regulation
But detection alone isn’t enough—action must follow. That’s where Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs come in. These programs formalize the process of identifying leaks and ensuring timely repairs. In the US, LDAR is regulated, requiring regular surveys and specific timeframes for fixing leaks.2,7,8 When implemented effectively, LDAR programs can reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations by more than 90%.
Globally, efforts are expanding beyond compliance. Voluntary frameworks like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) promote transparency, accountability, and best practices across the sector. While some countries have opted for stricter regulatory controls, others incentivize proactive leak prevention through tax breaks or grants. In both cases, the growing combination of policy pressure, public scrutiny, and technological capability is driving the energy industry toward faster and more effective emission reductions.2,7,8
Clean Technologies and Innovation
Technology is accelerating that shift. By integrating advanced detection tools with real-time monitoring, operators can respond faster and more precisely to leaks. Upgrading outdated components, such as valves, seals, and connectors, reduces leak potential from the start. Other mitigation strategies include electrifying compressors, recapturing and reinjecting gas, and refining standard operating procedures.²6?
Meanwhile, emerging innovations are opening up new opportunities for efficiency and accountability. Smart sensors, robotic inspection systems, and satellite or balloon-borne surveillance make it easier to track and verify emissions across complex facilities and remote infrastructure. Technologies like methane capture, biogas upgrading, and closed-loop systems not only reduce emissions but also turn waste into economic value, helping operators recover lost product and offset costs.
Together, regulation and innovation are forming a complementary path forward: policy sets the floor, and technology raises the ceiling. With the right mix of enforcement, incentives, and engineering, the energy sector is better equipped than ever to deliver measurable, scalable reductions in fugitive emissions.
Looking Ahead
Cutting fugitive emissions is one of the most immediate and cost-effective steps industries can take toward meeting net-zero greenhouse gas targets. Methane’s high short-term warming potential means that even small reductions can deliver significant climate benefits quickly—an essential advantage as the window to meet 1.5 °C goals narrows.
What makes this opportunity even more compelling is that climate performance and business performance are aligned. Research shows that a mix of operational improvements—like advanced monitoring, leak repair programs, and methane recovery systems—can dramatically reduce emissions while preserving, or even improving, profitability.10
For energy producers, utilities, and infrastructure operators, the case is increasingly clear: cleaner practices reduce risk, recover lost product, and cut costs. Investments in modern leak detection, upgraded components, and real-time monitoring improve efficiency and prepare organizations to comply with tightening environmental regulations.
Beyond individual gains, this is a collective challenge and a shared opportunity. Delivering progress will require coordination among industry leaders, regulators, innovators, and communities. But with the growing toolbox of detection technologies, improved measurement, and more ambitious regulatory frameworks, the tools are already in place. The next step is simply to scale.
By prioritizing fugitive emission reduction, the energy sector can drive measurable climate action, support regulatory compliance, and build long-term resilience in a decarbonizing global economy.
References and Further Reading
- Sotoodeh, K. (2021). Fugitive emissions from piping and valves. Prevention of Valve Fugitive Emissions in the Oil and Gas Industry. DOI:10.1016/B978-0-323-91862-6.00002-2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323918626000022
- Laconde, T. Fugitive emissions: a blind spot in the fight against climate change. CLIMATE CHANCE ANNUAL REPORT. https://www.climate-chance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/new-fugitive-emissions-a-blind-spot-in-the-fight-against-climate-change.pdf
- Alvarez, R. A. et al. (2018). Assessment of methane emissions from the U.S. Oil and gas supply chain. Science, 361(6398). DOI:10.1126/science.aar7204. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aar7204
- Fosco, D. et al. (2024). Progress in monitoring methane emissions from landfills using drones: An overview of the last ten years. Science of The Total Environment, 945, 173981. DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173981. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724041299
- A guide to the latest methane detection technologies for the oil and gas industry. CHUBB. https://about.chubb.com/content/dam/chubb-sites/chubb/about-chubb/citizenship/environment/pdf/methane-detection.pdf
- Ottewell, S. (2023). Satellites and Robot Dogs Tackle Fugitive Emissions. Chemical Processing. https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/environmental-protection/air-environment/article/33007322/satellites-and-robot-dogs-tackle-fugitive-emissions
- Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR). US Department of Commerce. https://cldp.doc.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/Chapter%205%20-%20Methane%20Handbook.pdf
- An introduction to LDAR. (2025). Calyx Global. https://calyxglobal.com/research-hub/research/an-introduction-to-ldar/
- SwRI using drones with machine learning to automate methane leak detection. (2019). Southwest Research Institute. https://www.swri.org/newsroom/press-releases/swri-using-drones-machine-learning-automate-methane-leak-detection
- Meng, F. et al. (2023). Planet-compatible pathways for transitioning the chemical industry. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(8), e2218294120. DOI:10.1073/pnas.2218294120. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2218294120
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.