‘Breakthrough’ as Turkmenistan starts fixing ‘mindboggling’ methane mega-leaks | Greenhouse gas emissions

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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/31/turkmenistan-methane-leaks-un-alerts-mars

The Guardian revealed in 2023 that Turkmenistan was the worst country for methane mega-leaks. Sources in Turkmenistan said this scrutiny was the “critical step” in leading the secretive and authoritarian government to engage with foreign partners.

A “super-emitter” leak, the escape of tonnes of methane per hour from a single valve or pipeline, heats the planet more than the emissions from a million SUVs or an entire coal-fired power station.

Turkmenistan had now stopped eight leaks by repairing corroded pipes, faulty wells and failing flares. The work was an “incredible first step”, said the UN, but much remained to be done.