TheRegulations on the Fair Opening of Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Facilitieswas jointly issued by China NDRC( National Development and Reform Commission ), National Energy Administration, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development and State Administration for Market Regulation on May 24 2019. It marked the milestone change in the pricing of natural gas in China from volume basis to energy basis. Aiming at the existing problems and research status of developing natural gas energy metering in China, this paper analyzes the applicability of standards and specifications of energy metering based on the study of relevant domestic and international laws, standards and key technologies of natural gas energy metering. The result shows that the technologies of natural gas energy metering in China are sufficiently matured. The key design approach for natural gas energy metering is proposed from the analysis on the aspects of process flow scheme, the selection of flowmeter and associated equipment, and the modification of existing metering station. This key design approach provides technical support for further work on energy metering research and design.