About the Partnership

The Methane to Markets Partnership was launched on 16 November 2004, at a Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C., when 14 national governments signed on as Partners. The new Partners made formal declarations to minimize methane emissions from key sources, stressing the importance of implementing methane capture and use projects in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

Purpose

The Methane to Markets Partnership is a voluntary, non-binding framework for international cooperation to advance the recovery and use of methane as a valuable clean energy source.

The role of the Partnership is to bring diverse organizations together with international governments to catalyze the development of methane projects. The private sector, the research community, development banks and other governmental and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to collaborate with the Partners and contribute to the Partnership by joining the Project Network.

More detailed information about the Methane to Markets Partnership can be found in the Methane to Markets Partnership Fact Sheet (PDF, 2 pp., 186 KB, About PDF) and Partnership Frequently Asked Questions.

Benefits

Facilitating the development of methane projects will decrease greenhouse gas methane emissions, increase energy security, enhance economic growth, improve local air quality and improve industrial safety. More information about the environmental impacts of methane emissions can be found in the Methane Science Fact Sheet (PDF, 2 pp., 202 KB, About PDF).

Structure and Organization

Select a box in the graphic below for specific member lists.

The Terms of Reference explains the organizational framework of the Methane to Markets Partnership. The Partnership consists of a Steering Committee, four technical subcommittees, the Project Network and the Administrative Support Group (ASG).

  • The Steering Committee guides the work of the Partnership and is supported by the ASG. It governs the Partnership’s framework, policies and procedures. Partners may appoint up to two representatives to the Steering Committee.
  • The technical subcommittees are organized according to sources of methane emissions. Partners appoint technical experts to the technical subcommittees. Contact information for Subcommittee representatives is available here (agriculture, underground coal mines, landfills and oil and gas systems). Each subcommittee develops a sector-specific Action Plan that identifies needs, opportunities and priorities for project development. The Action Plans also identify key barriers to project development and include specific actions that will assist in overcoming these barriers. The technical subcommittees also facilitate investment and financing opportunities and other cooperative activities and projects that advance the recovery of methane and its use as an energy source.
  • The Project Network consists of representatives from the private sector, the research community, development banks and other governmental and non-governmental organizations with an interest in developing and supporting methane capture and use projects in Partner Countries. Members of the Project Network are encouraged to attend subcommittee meetings and participate in developing sector-specific Action Plans. Project Network members may also assist in specific activities such as capacity building, technology transfer and outreach.
  • The Administrative Support Group (ASG) serves as the secretariat for the Partnership by providing administrative and logistical support. During the first two years of the initiative, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host the ASG.
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