GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  December 7, 2021

ExxonMobil Plans For Net Zero Emissions in Permian Basin

ExxonMobil said it plans to achieve net zero GHG emissions from operated assets in the Permian Basin in the U.S. by 2030, accelerating and expanding its emission-reduction plans for unconventional operations in New Mexico and Texas. 

The plans are part of the corporate-wide effort to reduce upstream GHG emissions intensity by 40% to 50% by 2030, compared to 2016 levels.

“Our groundbreaking plans to reach net zero for Permian Basin operations further demonstrate our commitment and support of society’s ambitions for a lower-emissions future,” said CEO Darren Woods in a statement. “We have plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity across our businesses by deploying the capabilities and technical strengths that are foundational to ExxonMobil.”

The GHG emission-reduction efforts in the Permian will be supported by electrifying operations, continuing investments in methane mitigation and detection technology, eliminating routine flaring, upgrading equipment, and employing emissions offset technology, which may include nature-based solutions.

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

The company is on track to exceed its 2025 GHG emission-reduction plans announced in December 2020. Year-end 2021 results are expected to show a reduction of 15% to 20% in GHG intensity from Upstream operations compared to 2016 levels, four years ahead of schedule. This is supported by an anticipated reduction of 40% to 50% in methane intensity and 35% to 45% in flaring intensity compared to 2016.

To validate its emissions-reduction efforts, ExxonMobil is working with an independent validator, non-profit MIQ through a pilot program initially focused on Poker Lake facilities in New Mexico. Through the program, natural gas will be certified based on a series of factors including methane intensity, and will be marketed to customers early next year. 

Read These Related Articles:

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• ExxonMobil's Rotterdam Refinery to Add Blue Hydrogen 
• Nucor Corporation Signs Carbon Capture Agreement
• ExxonMobil To Deploy Carbon Capture Tech

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