Dec 28 2008
Through the Methane to Markets partnership, EPA is making up to $7 million in grants available for innovative international projects and activities. The agency expects to award up to 40 cooperative grants agreements ranging from approximately $100,000 to $700,000. The Methane to Markets partnership is an international initiative to reduce global methane emissions by promoting capture-and-use projects in oil and gas systems, coal mining, landfills, and animal waste management.
EPA requests proposals for projects that directly identify, characterize or implement methane capture-and-use projects. Examples include technology transfers and demonstrations, feasibility studies, training and capacity building, information clearinghouses, and improved methane emissions estimates.
A wide variety of institutions are eligible, including international governments, universities, and public or private non-profit organizations to advance project development in the following Methane to Markets Partner countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
Additionally, EPA will consider proposals from developing countries or countries with economies in transition that are applying to join the partnership, as long as an acceptable letter of intent is submitted to the Methane to Markets Administrative Support Group prior to the close of the RFP deadline. The estimated project period for awards is September 2009 through September 2012. Proposals are due by March 5, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
By 2015, the partnership has the potential to reduce methane emissions by 50 million metric tons of carbon equivalent annually – comparable to planting 55 million acres of trees, or recovering 500 billion cubic feet of natural gas.