PEMEX Platform in Mexico Leaked Methane Despite UN Alert: Reuters

Recent data analysis by Reuters unveils alarming methane emissions from a PEMEX oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico, persisting even after a UN agency alerted the Mexican government to the issue.

The analysis reveals significant methane leaks from the Zaap-C platform in 2022. Emissions continued for months afterward, indicating a persistent problem. Researchers initially attributed the leaks to a flare malfunction at the site.

The UN Environment Programme's International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) program provided critical data, highlighting a series of methane plumes observed off the coast of Mexico. These plumes, identified on 25 different days in 2023, were traced back to the Zaap-C platform.

UNEP notified the Mexican government about the initial nine plumes shortly after detection in July, says Reuters. However, subsequent detections did not prompt further notifications, raising questions about the government's response and communication with UNEP regarding the ongoing emissions issue.

Data does not indicate whether PEMEX has taken corrective action. The delayed release of UNEP data prevents real-time monitoring of the platform's current emissions status.