| Abstract [eng] |
Reducing methane (CH4) emissions in the European Union is considered one of the most important priorities in climate change management. CH4 is the second most significant greenhouse gas (GHG) after carbon dioxide (CO2), with a global warming potential approximately 28 times greater than that of CO2. According to Lithuania’s national GHG inventory report, 113,120 metric tons of CH4 emissions were generated in Lithuania in 2020. CH4 emissions accounted for 16.2% of total GHG emissions in Lithuania in 2020. The energy sector is the main source of GHG emissions in Lithuania; in 2020, this sector generated 15,904 tons of CH4. The main sources of CH4 emissions in Lithuania’s energy sector are fuel combustion facilities across all economic sectors and natural gas leaks in transmission, storage, and distribution networks. Under the global agreement on methane emissions, the goal is to reduce global methane emissions across all sectors by at least 30% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. The final master’s thesis project develops a methodology for assessing CH4 emissions and selecting mitigation measures for manufacturing companies and evaluates the potential for reducing CH4 emissions in the manufacturing sector using this methodology. The surimi product manufacturing company UAB “Plungės kooperatinė prekyba” was selected for the experiment. Scientific methods applied in the project: analysis of environmental protection strategic documents, scientific literature, and statistical data; the IPCC 2006 methodology; the methodology for implementing cleaner production in industrial enterprises; and comparative analysis. The study identified the main sources of CH4 emissions at the facility under analysis: the combustion of fuel, solid biofuel, and natural gas, as well as indirect CH4 emissions resulting from natural gas leaks in distribution and transmission networks. In 2020, the facility generated 10,051 t of direct and 10,296 t of indirect CH4 emissions. The study proposes three innovative measures to reduce CH4 emissions. It was determined that the implementation of all proposed measures would reduce thermal energy production by 907 MWh per year, biofuel consumption by 11%, and natural gas consumption by 39%. Direct and indirect CH4 emissions would decrease by 24.5%. The study also provides recommendations for Lithuanian manufacturing companies on the prevention and reduction of CH4 emissions by implementing energy efficiency improvement projects, applying cleaner production principles, process optimization and integration methods, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. |
