Fugitive Methane Expert Panel Hosts Webinar Following Release of Interim Report

Former Australian Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM and members of the Fugitive Methane Expert Panel hosted a webinar on 14 October 2026 to discuss the panel's interim report, which was published in September 2026.

During the presentation, Dr Foley stated that the panel has made "substantial progress in building the evidence base we need to support robust, balanced and scientifically credible advice."

The Expert Panel was appointed by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy in 2025. Its mandate is to provide advice on the current scientific understanding of "top-down" approaches for the coal, oil, and gas sectors. Top-down methods estimate emissions by measuring and modelling changes in atmospheric methane.

Additionally, the panel is examining the role these top-down approaches could play within the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme and Australia’s National Greenhouse Accounts. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, this advice aims to maintain the standards of the NGER scheme and national accounts while supporting the evidence base for Australia's climate policies.

The newly released interim report details the panel's work methodology, outlines the concepts and challenges involved in tracking fugitive methane emissions, and shares initial insights gathered to date.

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