New Data Lab To Tackle Oil & Gas Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting

The University of Texas at Austin Cockrell School of Engineering

January 10, 2023

The University of Texas at Austin will be home to a new multidisciplinary research and education initiative based in its Cockrell School of Engineering – the Energy Emissions Modeling and Data Lab (EEMDL) – that will address the growing need for accurate, timely, and clear accounting of greenhouse gas emissions across global oil and natural gas supply chains. Data and analysis from this new endeavor will help both public and private institutions develop climate strategies and actions informed by accurate, verified data, identifying opportunities for emissions reductions.

The lab will work with stakeholders to establish comprehensive, reliable, transparent, measurement-based greenhouse gas emissions assessments of oil and gas supply chains. The research products – consisting of protocols, software tools and emissions datasets – will be updated regularly. The lab will also offer education and training programs to help oil and gas operators, government agencies, and other stakeholders utilize the tools and data.

Several major energy companies that also are focusing on the accuracy of emissions data are sponsoring EEMDL, which will be a $50 million project. Cheniere, EQT, and Williams are the initial sponsors, with more stakeholders from the oil and gas industry, financial sector, and non-governmental organizations expected to join in the near future.