As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation on methane emission reduction, the “Sino-German Cooperation on Climate Change: NDC Implementation (NDCI)” project hosted a study tour to Germany and France for a Chinese delegation of 15 participants from 23 to 30 March 2025. The delegation included representatives from the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation (NCSC), Shandong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Guangdong Environmental Science Research Institute and the Inner Mongolia Center for Low-Carbon Development and Ecology, bringing together a diverse group of technical experts and government officials.
Methane emissions pose a significant threat to the global climate, with a warming potential over 80 times greater than CO₂ over a 20-year period. Therefore, as one of the most potent greenhouse gases, reducing methane emissions is crucial for slowing down global warming.
While international efforts have so far primarily focused on carbon dioxide, the urgency to cut methane emissions has gained increasing recognition. With China being the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, its active participation in methane mitigation strategies is indispensable for achieving global climate goals. Recognising this, the NDCI project consistently fosters bilateral and multilateral climate dialogues, promoting knowledge exchange between China and Germany to advance climate action, including methane reduction.
German best practices for methane emission reduction
The study tour began in Berlin, where the delegation met with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). In his opening remarks, BMWK State Secretary Stefan Wenzel emphasized that strengthening methane mitigation cooperation is a shared priority for Germany and China and is of great significance for achieving global climate goals. Ding Ding, Deputy Director of NCSC, pointed out the solid foundation of Sino-German cooperation and expressed hopes for closer collaboration in methane emission control. The two sides held in-depth exchanges on topics such as Methane Regulation in the EU Energy Sector, methane monitoring and mitigation measures across different industries, and standards for data transparency. The Chinese delegation also presented national and sub-national policies and practices for methane reduction.
Following the meeting with the BMWK in Berlin, the delegation participants travelled to Essen, where they undertook a site visit to one of Germanies biggest wastewater treatment plants of the company Emschergenossenschaft. Guided by local experts, the group learned about anaerobic digestion technologies used in wastewater treatment and observed the full process of methane capture and conversion into renewable energy. The plant serves as a model for climate- and energy-efficient urban wastewater management through biogas-based electricity and heat production.
Afterwards, the delegation was received by RAG Aktiengesellschaft, a company formerly responsible for coal mining in the Ruhr region, now responsible for the transition toward sustainable energy solutions, amongst other tasks. RAG shared insights on how the transition to the German post-mining era is managed, as Germany’s last coal mine was shut in 2018. RAG stressed the company’s role in regional Just Transition and explored the potential for applying similar experiences in China’s energy transition context.
On 26 March, the delegation participated in a workshop at TÜV Rheinland’s headquarter focusing on carbon footprint methodologies and regulatory frameworks in China and Germany. TÜV Rheinland has long-standing expertise in carbon footprint calculation, life cycle assessments (LCA), and GHG emissions auditing. German experts shared methodologies for carbon accounting, database development, DIN standard systems, and the EU’s corporate carbon verification mechanisms. Chinese representatives introduced progress in provincial-level carbon footprint management systems, with both sides discussing emission factor databases, standards alignment, and institutional coordination.
Expert exchanges on tracking methane emissions in France
In France, the delegation first visited the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). IMEO has developed a global methane monitoring system integrating satellite remote sensing, aerial detection, and ground-based methods. Experts introduced over 40 global methane monitoring projects, including cases in China’s coal mines and urban oil and gas sectors. They showcased the OGMP 2.0 and MARS (Methane Alert and Response System), highlighting the crucial role of combining satellite and on-the-ground data.
Finally, the delegation met with the French Ministry for Ecological Transition and CITEPA (Interprofessional Technical Centre for Air Pollution Studies) to exchange experience on GHG and air pollutant inventory compilation, methane monitoring, and reduction strategies. As France’s main technical body for emissions inventories, CITEPA provides strong technical support for national and EU reporting. Chinese representatives from NCSC also shared progress on China’s GHG inventory development. French experts introduced specific methane reduction measures in the agricultural sector, such as improved livestock management, enhanced manure treatment, and waste reuse strategies. Both sides engaged in discussions around shared challenges, best practices, and collaboration opportunities in inventory development and methane reduction in agriculture.
Study tour takeaways and expected impacts
The study tour successfully fostered dialogue between Chinese and European experts, creating a platform for mutual learning and long-term cooperation. It laid a strong foundation for future joint research and policy development. By integrating the policy and regulatory strengths of both Europe and China, the NDCI project will continue to support the implementation of China’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and contribute to global methane reduction efforts.
