ExxonMobil said it 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 are part of the corporate-wide effort to reduce Upstream greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 40-50 percent 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 Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer. “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 greenhouse gas 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.
By year-end 2021, ExxonMobil anticipates reduced flaring volumes across its Permian Basin operations by more than 75 percent compared to 2019. The company plans to eliminate all routine flaring in the Permian by year-end 2022, in support of the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring initiative. The company is also securing alternative natural gas delivery points across the basin to minimize non-routine flaring.
“Our goal of net zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most ambitious and wide-reaching in the Permian Basin,” said Bart Cahir, senior vice president of unconventional at ExxonMobil. “Throughout the value chain, our people are working hard to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the products that enable modern life.”
For more information visit corporate.exxonmobil.com
