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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EXXONMOBIL
ExxonMobil is progressing a comprehensive methane management pro-gramme which is on track to meet its goal of reducing methane emissions by 15% in 2020, compared to 2016. It comprises leak detection and repair (LDAR) efforts, a phase-out of high bleed pneumatic devices, revised operating procedures and personnel training.
The programme involves substantial data gathering, research, and technology development. While global in nature, a significant effort is focused on ExxonMobil’s unconventional oil and gas operations in the USA. The programme has already shown significant progress. Since 2016, methane emissions from unconventional operations have been reduced by 20%.
Data gathered during LDAR efforts in the Permian Basin in Texas and in New Mexico have allowed us to deploy new low-emission design technologies to components with a high potential to leak. These technologies include improved designs for controlling tank emissions and instrument air packages, which use compressed air instead of natural gas to power controllers.
ExxonMobil is also pursuing an extensive research and technology development programme devoted to more effectively reducing methane emissions and advancing cost-effective mitigation policies through engagements with governments and other stakeholders. The company is also a founding member of the Methane Guiding Principles – now working together with OGCI – to advance methane emissions reduction initiatives.
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.
