(WO) – The N05-A development in the Dutch-German North Sea, operated by ONE-Dyas, has become the first offshore natural gas project in the region to achieve MiQ Grade A certification for methane emissions performance, marking a milestone for lower-emissions offshore gas production in Europe.
The N05-A gas installation, fully powered by renewable electricity from the Riffgat offshore wind farm seen in the background.
The certification was awarded following an independent audit of operational practices and measured methane emissions conducted by Intertek under MiQ’s methane emissions standard. The data-driven certification framework evaluates both emissions performance and operational controls, providing transparency around methane intensity across the natural gas value chain.
N05-A forms part of the GEMS area in the North Sea and is estimated to hold up to 50 Bcm of recoverable natural gas resources across Dutch and German waters. The project’s certified gas will be marketed by bp, targeting European utilities and industrial consumers seeking lower-emissions supply.
The offshore installation is powered entirely by renewable electricity supplied via subsea cable from the EWE-operated Riffgat offshore wind farm, eliminating combustion-based power generation and significantly reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions. Electrification of the platform and associated drilling operations also reduces methane slip and venting, contributing to the project’s low methane intensity.
MiQ certification has been adopted by a growing number of operators globally as methane management becomes an increasing focus for regulators, investors and gas buyers. Industry stakeholders say independently verified emissions performance can support compliance requirements and differentiate gas supplies in markets placing greater emphasis on emissions transparency.
The N05-A project represents a new benchmark for methane-certified offshore gas production in Europe, as operators and buyers increasingly prioritize lower-emissions supply from both new developments and existing assets.
