As carbon markets expand and corporate sustainability commitments deepen, scrutiny around carbon -credit quality has intensified. At Rebellion Energy Solutions, our journey in plugging orphan oil and gas wells and quantifying methane emissions has provided valuable lessons that underscore the importance of accuracy, transparency and scientific rigor in this evolving market.
Core to our methane-abatement work is a rigorous, engineered process we designed to deliver long-term well integrity and permanent elimination of methane emissions.
Methane abatement that is durable – and verifiable – provides the foundation for high-quality carbon credits that directly fund ecosystem restoration. This ensures Rebellion’s restoration work not only heals the land today but also delivers lasting climate and community benefits far into the future.
Here are some lessons we’ve learned along the way:
Lesson 1: One size does not fit all
Registries initially developed carbon-crediting methodologies for plugging orphan oil and gas wells with the assumption of steady methane emissions over the entire, 20-year crediting period. Our real-world experience, however, revealed significant limitations with this approach.
Petroleum reservoirs simply don’t act that way. As reservoir pressure naturally declines, methane emission rates decrease over time. Quick translation: Static emissions assumptions risk over-crediting and undermine market credibility.
Our realization was supported by meticulous field observations, reinforcing the need for a more dynamic and realistic emissions forecasting method aligned with actual reservoir behavior.
Lesson 2: Rigorous measurement practices are essential
Through extensive field operations involving thousands of wells, we learned that baseline methane emission tests must extend beyond typical industry practice. Longer measurement periods provide data stability essential for accurately projecting long-term emissions. We implemented detailed protocols – categorizing wells based on emission levels into Low, Mid, High, and Super-Emitters – enabling tailored and scientifically robust forecasts.
Our experience underscores that comprehensive baseline assessments aren’t optional – they’re foundational to credible carbon-credit issuance.
Lesson 3: Scientific validation enhances credibility
Recognizing the need for independent scientific validation, we partnered with the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines. Recently, it analyzed terminal decline rates of more than 14,000 wells across the United States, establishing an empirical basis for predicting methane emission decline rates over time.
Brad Handler, Program Director of the Energy Finance Lab at the Payne Institute, summarized the study’s findings:
“Our systematic analysis confirms a predictable, average terminal decline rate of approximately 6.4 percent annually after the initial ten years of production. This consistency is critical for developing credible, scientifically grounded methodologies in methane-abatement carbon credit projects.” Read the full study here.
This validation reaffirmed our methodologies and significantly boosted stakeholder confidence in our quantification process.
Lesson 4: Adopting a certainty policy strengthens methodological rigor
Using what we learned, Rebellion developed and implemented our groundbreaking . policy that outlines rigorous forecasting and quantification standards – explicitly incorporating extended measurement durations; terminal decline rate analyses; and conservative, scientifically validated projections to ensure the highest level of integrity and accuracy in carbon-credit calculations. Watch Eric’s explanation of the Certainty Policy.
Adopting this Certainty Policy was pivotal in reinforcing market trust and establishing a clear, robust framework that mitigates risks associated with emissions quantification.
Lesson 5: Transparency builds trust
Early on, we learned transparency is paramount in carbon markets. Detailed documentation of each project stage enhances credibility with buyers, investors and independent ratings agencies. Leveraging advanced GIS technology, we established a robust data transparency framework – allowing stakeholders real-time access to precise project data.
Transparent reporting has proven essential in distinguishing high-quality carbon credits, fostering trust in an otherwise complex market.
Lesson 6: Aligning with Core Carbon Principles strengthens market position
Aligning our methodology with the Core Carbon Principles outlined by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) was an invaluable step. Ensuring transparency, accurate quantification, conservativeness and permanency of methane-abatement positioned our carbon credits to meet the highest market standards.
This alignment not only improved market acceptance but also raised industry expectations, setting a higher bar for carbon -credit quality.
Lesson 7: Continuous improvement fuels industry innovation
Our journey reaffirmed that rigorous methodologies and advanced technologies must continuously evolve. By staying receptive to scientific advancements and market feedback, we ensure that our practices remain cutting-edge, accurate, and effective. The collaboration with academic institutions, such as the Payne Institute, continues to inform and refine our processes, keeping us at the forefront of methane-abatement initiatives.
A call for industry-wide adoption
Our lessons learned underscore the critical importance of scientific rigor, transparency and continuous innovation. We invite stakeholders across the voluntary carbon market to adopt similar standards to elevate the quality and integrity of methane-abatement credits industry-wide.
At Rebellion, our commitment remains clear: Lead by example – driving progress toward a transparent, scientifically validated and impactful voluntary carbon market.
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Eric Perner is Chief Operating Officer at Rebellion Energy Solutions, a leader in high-quality methane-abatement carbon credit generation. For more information, visit rebellionenergy.com.
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Published Oct 9, 2025 1am EDT / 10pm PDT / 6am BST / 7am CEST
