Expanding satellite methane monitoring
Aramco’s Methane Detection and Minimization Program combines established methane management practices with increasingly advanced measurement technologies to improve the detection, quantification and mitigation of emissions.
Bringing methane monitoring to the next level
In 2025, the company expanded its satellite methane monitoring program, increasing coverage from 30 to 45 facilities representing a 50% increase in sites monitored by satellite. This expansion provides better visibility of potential major methane releases and complements existing methane emissions monitoring systems, including regular leak detection and repair activities. Despite this increase in satellites monitoring coverage by 50%, the number of satellite methane detections in 2025 have reduced by 50% comparing to 2024, demonstrating valuable contribution of satellites monitoring campaign to methane emissions mitigation.
Aramco is also conducting an extensive campaign to test methane measurement technologies for source and site level measurement with plans for subsequent technologies deployment in coming years. The campaign is intended to evaluate how emerging technologies can complement existing approaches and provide increasingly accurate and robust information on methane emissions with aim to improve reporting transparency and support high quality decision making for methane emissions mitigation.
Driving continued reductions in methane intensity
This approach is supported by Aramco’s continued focus on maintaining low methane intensity. In 2025, upstream methane intensity remained at 0.04%, well below the OGCI ambition of 0.1% by 2030. The combination of satellite monitoring with ground-based and aerial monitoring technologies will create a more comprehensive methane management system. By improving the ability to detect and quantify emissions, Aramco’s program will help prioritize mitigation activities and support sustained reduction in methane intensity.
