Taking offshore methane measurements to new levels
Understanding and addressing methane emissions is an important step toward net zero, but traditional methodologies of reporting emissions at source level are under increasing scrutiny.
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Challenge:
When bp announced its ambition to be a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and to help the world get to net zero, it outlined an aim to install methane measurement at all of its existing major oil and gas processing sites by 2023, publish the data and then drive a 50% reduction in the methane intensity of its operations. In furtherance of this aim, bp expanded its existing relationship with Kairos Aerospace, enlisting the company to survey onshore oil and gas operations in the USA.
Solution:
Using aircraft mounted high-resolution infrared imaging, Kairos is conducting quarterly campaigns of bp’s assets searching for methane leaks. Kairos is capable of surveying hundreds of square miles a day to locate and quantify emission sources.
Result:
The data collected, combined with bp’s automated work management system, are enabling teams to find and repair leaks as well as prioritize maintenance of the most common emission sources. In Q3 2020 bp expanded the use of the technology to its assets in the Permian, Haynesville, and Eagle Ford basins.
Expanding impact:
Academic research has shown that more than half of all methane emissions from oil and gas sites come from a small number of large sources. Using technology for regular checks to find them early and fix them is the most effective way to reduce emissions. With investment and support from OGCI Climate Investments, Kairos Aerospace is rapidly scaling up operations to offer their service across North America to both OGCI members and the broader oil industry.
What OGCI member companies are doing to reduce methane emissions
Member companies are expanding leak detection and repair campaigns, removing high-emitting devices, and reducing both flaring and venting.
TotalEnergies and Qnergy remove 98% of vented methane emissions
Across many of the world’s natural gas production fields, gas pneumatic devices used for process control and chemical injection vent methane directly into the air.
EXXONMOBIL – Methane management in unconventional operations
ExxonMobil is progressing a comprehensive methane management programme which is on track to meet its goal of reducing methane emissions by 15% in 2020, compared to 2016.
REPSOL – New generation membrane technology reduces emissions
In 2018, Repsol introduced a comprehensive set of internal metrics, targets and action plans to ensure meaningful progress towards climate change mitigation.
SAUDI ARAMCO – Getting results with leak detection and repair
Saudi Aramco’s leak detection and repair programme, enables the mitigation of fugitive leaks, one of the largest sources of methane emissions in the industry.
ENI – Investing in flaring reduction
Having reduced upstream operated carbon intensity by 20% since 2014, Eni is on track to achieve its company target of 43% reduction by 2025.
CNPC – Tackling methane emissions
Reducing upstream methane emissions from oil and gas operations is an important component of CNPC’s Green Action Plan
BP – Mapping and capping methane emissions with Kairos Aerospace
bp has pledged to measure its methane emissions by 2023 and has enlisted Kairos to conduct aerial surveys.
