Well-to-Tank Carbon Intensity of Canadian LNG
An analysis commissioned by Equal Routes, completed by Energy and Environmental Research Associates, to determine the carbon intensity of LNG from Canada. This study aims to assess the upstream emissions of Canadian produced natural gas and LNG to identify upstream emissions related to global and maritime climate goals.
Key Findings and Conclusions:
● Emissions from flaring, leakage, and venting in Canadian oil and gas activities accounted for up to 54% of provincial emissions and 16% of national sector emissions, demonstrating an area to limit significant CH4 emissions and wasted energy.
● Canadian Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program estimates are 54% lower than satellite measurements for methane from natural gas activities. ● Improving transparency by separating the oil and gas sectors and breaking down emissions by supply chain stages can enhance accuracy. Using methodologies that detail individual GHG contributions allows for easier updates with evolving climate weightings and methodologies.
● Canada’s projected liquefaction emissions (3.48 gCO2e/MJ) are significantly lower than those reported for the U.S. (12.55 gCO2e/MJ) and other nations. Due to the absence of large-scale LNG facilities as of early 2025, estimates are mostly based on proposed low-carbon scenarios.
● Canadian LNG imports and exports are currently small. No LNG tankers were observed in the available AIS dataset for either import or export. This highlights the relatively small scale of Canada’s LNG trade to date.
● Across the LNG supply chain, from production and extraction to liquefaction and transport, this study finds the average WtT values for Canadian LNG were 23.35 gCO2e/MJ (AR6 GWP100). This includes literature incorporation of low-carbon projections, yet the value is comparable to average fossil LNG WtT values (i.e. 21.31 gCO2e/MJ, AR6 GWP100 for EU Imports).
