Mar 3 2010
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Government of India, and India’s Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry are hosting the 2nd Methane to Markets Partnership Expo in New Delhi from March 2- 5, 2010. The event has attracted attendees from 30 countries and showcases more than 150 opportunities for capturing and using methane, a greenhouse gas more than 20 times as potent as carbon dioxide, as a valuable clean energy resource.
“We’re coming together as a global community to tackle a global challenge and move into the clean energy future,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “The Methane to Markets Partnership is cutting greenhouse gases and providing new, clean energy options to communities and businesses around the world.”
With the potential to reduce 17.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year—the same as the annual greenhouse gas emissions from about 3.3 million cars—the showcase projects can provide significant clean development and climate change benefits throughout the world. Member countries and representatives from the private sector will discuss technology, economic and policy issues that could further advance methane reduction opportunities.
The Methane to Markets Partnership is a public-private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas pollution by promoting the near-term development of cost-effective, methane capture and use projects that also provide a clean energy source. The partnership is comprised of 30 countries, the European Commission, and more than 900 private sector and non-governmental organizations. Since the partnership began in 2004, it has supported more than 170 projects that have reduced an estimated 27 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually -- equal to the electricity use of 3.5 million homes for one year. The partnership has also held more than 80 events in 23 countries, generated $84 million in funding for activities and projects, and leveraged more than $350 million in private financing for capacity building and project development.