The latest report from think-tank Ember says, that despite a prohibition in the EU Methane Regulation that took effect in January 2025, new satellite evidence suggests that methane venting from coal mine drainage systems persists across several sites in Poland, the EU’s largest coal methane emitter.

These direct observations of potential non-compliance underscore a critical gap between policy and practice. They demonstrate that, without independent verification and dissuasive penalties, the Regulation will fail to deliver the significant emission cuts that are technically feasible and urgently needed for climate goals.

Most important findings of the report:

In 2025, 96% of methane plumes (109 out of 114 plumes analysed) over onshore European energy infrastructure were traced to Polish coal mines, making Poland the most frequent fossil fuel methane super-emitter in the EU.

5 out of 22 drainage systems in Polish coal mines were observed venting methane in 2025, despite the EU ban. This is especially alarming given that no systems for verification or penalties are in place.

Methane reportedly vented from drainage systems – if captured – could keep 14.5 million Polish houses warm for a week. In 2024, Polish coal mines used 70% of captured drainage methane, emitting 57,000 unutilised tonnes to the atmosphere. This drainage gas, rich in methane, could instead be used as an energy source.

The EU Methane Regulation will only deliver meaningful emission cuts if it is effectively enforced. Independent verification of emissions and dissuasive penalties for non-compliance are essential to ensure the effective implementation of the EU-MER.