New research from energy think tank Ember reveals that abandoned coal mines in south Wales are leaking unmonitored methane at levels that could exceed the combined annual carbon emissions of Wales industrial and agricultural sectors by 2050. The report estimates 168,000 tonnes of methane will be released between 2026 and 2050, equivalent to 14.1 million tonnes of CO2 using short term climate impact. The report highlights that current UK estimates rely on outdated 2010 data, with Wales accounting for 49 percent of UK abandoned mine methane (AMM) emissions in 2023. It calls for site by site monitoring, a ban on venting and flaring, and financial incentives to capture methane for energy use. Capturing the estimated reserves could generate roughly 880 GWh of electricity and 19.5 million pounds in profit. Coal Action Network, which commissioned the research, urges the Welsh Government to act quickly. While the UK has 16 AMM capture projects, none operate in Wales currently. The report offers three policy pathways for the Welsh Government to address the issue.
