The global LNG industry can achieve a 60 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with existing technologies and $100 billion in investments, according to a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report. With global LNG production expected to reach nearly 300 billion cubic meters by 2030, the IEA explained that expanded investments in methane abatement, electrification, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and reduced flaring can support widespread benefits across the value chain.

Notably, these investments will be compounded with the pre-existing emissions and reliability benefits that increased LNG utilization provides—with the report highlighting that across the entire lifecycle, more than 99 percent of the global LNG consumed in 2024 already had lower emissions than coal. However, with the U.S. industry’s leading operational footprint, American-produced LNG often results in greater emission reductions. Consider, Rystad Energy reported that U.S. LNG, even when transported 23,000 miles, emits up to 50 percent fewer GHG emissions than the cleanest coal plants in the world.

Cutting Emissions Across the LNG Supply Chain

The IEA identifies four key focus areas for industry-led emissions reductions: Methane abatement, electrification, CCS, and flaring. Specifically, methane abatement was flagged as the most impactful and cost-effective solution, with up to 90 million tons in reductions possible. Officials from the Center for LNG explained:

“The natural gas industry is actively implementing a range of strategies and technologies across the natural gas value chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship and significantly contribute to meeting global emission reduction targets.”

Overall, the report found that through addressing methane leaks, electrifying upstream and terminal operations, implementing CCS technology, and reducing flaring, total GHG emissions could drop 420 million tons—which is the equivalent of eliminating the annual energy use of more than 56 million homes per year.

U.S. LNG: A Global Leader in Clean Energy Exports

The United States, already the top LNG exporter, averaging 11.9 billion cubic feet per day, is well positioned to drive emissions reductions globally.

With extensive pipeline and electrification infrastructure, a modern LNG carrier fleet, and strong ties to global markets, U.S. LNG producers play an essential role in both meeting increased energy demand and reliably achieving emission reductions.

Additionally, as the EU’s methane regulation begins to reward lower-emitting LNG suppliers, U.S. companies that invest in additional emissions reductions will gain a long-term competitive advantage.

U.S. LNG Industry’s Emissions Reduction Legacy

U.S. LNG exports play a critical role in safeguarding national security, supporting economic opportunities, and contributing to global emissions ambitions. These proposed additional infrastructure and technology investments in carbon abatement would build upon the American LNG sector’s existing emissions reduction success.

Increased domestic natural gas usage across electricity generation has resulted in a reduction of 6,343 MMT CO2 since 2005, compared to a 4,075 MMT CO2 reduction from non-carbon generation sources during the same time period. Wood Mackenzie recently reported that U.S. LNG projects generally utilize more modern and efficient turbine technologies, resulting in an average of 20 percent lower emissions intensities than the global average. Additionally, as early adopters of advanced leak detection and repair (LDAR) systems, U.S. operators have achieved methane intensities below 0.5 percent.

This operational leadership gives the U.S. producers a solid advantage in a market increasingly driven by emissions performance and transparency.

The Bottomline: American-led innovation is supporting tangible progress towards emissions reductions, without jeopardizing global and domestic energy security. The IEA’s recent report what American LNG producers have long known: emission reductions and energy security are not mutually exclusive. With smart investments and proven technology, the U.S. LNG industry is poised to continue to lead the world in delivering reliable, lower-emission LNG.