ExxonMobil unveils emissions reduction plan for US Permian Basin

ExxonMobil plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from operated assets in the US Permian Basin by 2030, accelerating and expanding its emission-reduction plans for unconventional operations in New Mexico and Texas. 

The plans include elimination of routine flaring in the Permian Basin operations by year-end 2022; electrification of operations in New Mexico and Texas, including low-carbon power sources; and expansion and acceleration of methane monitoring, equipment upgrades and flaring reduction 

Greenhouse gas emission-reduction efforts in the Permian Basin will be supported by electrifying operations, continuing investments in methane mitigation and detection technology, eliminating routine flaring, upgrading equipment, and employing emissions offset technology. 

The company plans to electrify its operations with low-carbon power, which may include wind, solar, hydrogen, natural gas with carbon capture and storage. ExxonMobil plans to expand its methane detection programmes utilizing satellite surveillance and a network of ground-based sensors for continuous monitoring, and aerial flyovers that identify leaks for rapid repairs. 

By year-end 2021, ExxonMobil anticipates reduced flaring volumes across its Permian Basin operations by more than 75% compared to 2019. The company plans to eliminate all routine flaring in the Permian by year-end 2022. The company is also securing alternative natural gas delivery points across the basin to minimize non-routine flaring. 

At the end of the third quarter 2021, ExxonMobil reported producing an average of 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day from its unconventional assets in the Permian Basin, accounting for more than 40% of the company’s US net production. As production increases in the Permian, greenhouse gas emissions are expected to be mitigated accordingly.