Driving reductions in methane emissions

  • We’ve cut methane emissions intensity by more than 60% since 2016 and are on track to achieve reductions of 70-80% by 2030.1
  • Reducing methane leaks is smart business. Keeping more natural gas in the pipe means more to sell, and natural gas has been the biggest driver in cutting CO2 emissions from electricity generation in the U.S. in recent years.2

Navigate to:

We’re deploying leading-edge technology on the ground, in the air, and in space to mitigate, monitor, and measure methane emissions. Our Center for Operations and Methane Emissions Tracking (COMET) is a model for our other locations around the world.

From our model regulatory framework to collaborations with the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0 and others, we’re working to be a global leader in eliminating methane emissions. 

Methane: The other GHG

Methane is a powerful molecule.

With just one carbon and four hydrogen atoms, it’s the principal component in natural gas. Methane has the high energy density needed to make natural gas a reliable and flexible energy source. Natural gas is doing more to meaningfully reduce CO2 emissions in the U.S. electricity sector than any other technology.3 It will remain a critical source of energy in a lower-emissions future. Our Global Outlook forecasts that natural gas will supply 20% of the world’s power generation needs in 2050.4 

Why is natural gas such a good option?

  • Natural gas-fired electricity generation can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 60% and produce fewer air pollutants when it replaces coal.5
  • Natural gas is abundant in many places around the world and can be easily transported.
  • Natural gas is versatile, used in everything from power to transportation to home use.
  • Natural gas is reliable, backing up intermittent renewable power generation. 

But, as with any form of energy, there are tradeoffs. For natural gas, fugitive or leaked methane is a challenge. Compared to CO2, methane exists for a short time in the atmosphere but has 30 times the global warming potential on a 100-year timespan.6

That’s why it’s important for us to keep methane contained and managed – in our pipelines, in our storage tanks, and in our processing equipment.

Managing methane is smart business. Keeping more natural gas in the pipe means we have more product to sell.

Flaring and methane intensity infographic

Methane at ExxonMobil

Flaring and methane intensity

Methane emissions in our industry come from four main sources:

  • Flaring: the burning of excess natural gas for safety or other reasons.
  • Venting: the release of excess methane to reduce pressure in pneumatic devices, storage tanks, dehydration units, and other components of our operations to help ensure safety.
  • Fugitive emissions: unintentional leaks from equipment.  
  • Combustion slip: uncombusted methane in the exhaust of natural gas engines.

As reported in the data table, methane emissions at ExxonMobil were approximately 112,000 metric tons in 2024, about 4% of our total direct (Scope 1) operated emissions. Approximately 95% of our methane emissions come from our upstream operations. 

ExxonMobil upstream methane emissions8

By source

Pie chart of Methane sources

 What we've done

 What we're doing

• Cut operated methane emissions intensity by more than 60% from 2016-2024.9 • On plan to reduce methane intensity versus 2016 across all operated assets 70%-80% by 2030.10
• Eliminated routine flaring in Permian Basin operated assets. • On track to achieve zero routine flaring across all operated upstream assets by 2030, consistent with World Bank Zero Routine Flaring Initiative.11

• Joined the U.N. Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0. • Deploying continuous monitoring platforms on all key heritage operated sites in the Permian Basin by the end of 2025.
• Eliminated pneumatics in our heritage Permian Basin assets, replacing all pneumatic devices (>6,000), and exploring options for recently acquired Pioneer assets.  • Executing methane emissions measurement consistent with OGMP 2.0 Gold Standard reporting requirements.
• Began monitoring our Bakken assets in North Dakota through our headquarters-based COMET.   
• Heritage Pioneer operations received Gold Standard Pathway recognition from OGMP 2.0 in 2024.
 

Mitigating methane emissions

We’re taking a multilayered approach, using leading-edge technology to mitigatemonitor, and measure methane emissions.

We start with mitigation. Because when we eliminate potential sources of routine and non-routine methane leaks, we’re also reducing uncertainty. With fewer ways for methane to leak, we can keep it contained and focus our monitoring and measurement efforts where they’re most needed.

To reduce our methane intensity, we are evolving the designs of our facilities, improving our processes and protocols, and pursuing new technologies.

ExxonMobil's focus on methane emissions - from ground, air, and space

Image ExxonMobil's focus on methane emissions - from ground, air, and space

Aiming for zero

In March 2022, we joined others in our industry to launch the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative to strive to reach near zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030. Our efforts support the goals of the Global Methane Pledge and the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Plan – as well as our own 2050 net-zero ambition.

In 2024, flaring made up about 16% of methane emissions in our upstream operations.  Flaring is the most visible source of methane emissions because the flame can be seen by the naked eye. It’s also a focus area for us, which is why we’ve eliminated all routine flaring in our heritage Permian Basin operations.  We are on track to achieve zero routine flaring across all operated upstream assets by 2030 in line with the World Bank Zero Routine Flaring Initiative.14

Ongoing enhancements – large and small, complex and simple, proven and leading edge – are advancing our efforts to reduce or avoid methane emissions.

In some cases, we’re doing more with less, such as modifying designs or simply doing the same things, but better. For example, we continue to improve the seals on centrifugal compressors to prevent leaks and expand gas collection systems to capture and transport natural gas for processing. 

In short, every feasible option is on the table as we work to safely and reliably mitigate methane emissions.

Certified natural gas

Our facilities in Poker Lake, New Mexico, and the Appalachian Basin have been certified annually for the last three years by MiQ, an independent, not-for-profit organization focused on reducing methane emissions. The certification verifies that the natural gas we produce has lower methane intensity. This helps our customers make more informed decisions about the environmental impact of the natural gas they purchase.

Replacing pneumatic devices

Pneumatic control devices have been used in our industry for more than a century. They operate valves that control liquid levels, pressure, temperature, and other parts of the production process. 

They also emit methane. Each time a pneumatic device is used, a small amount of methane is vented. Multiply this by the number of devices at each site, and it can add up. That’s why we are working to eliminate natural-gas-driven pneumatic devices in our key U.S. unconventional operated assets.  We have already replaced all pneumatic devices  (>6,000) in our heritage Permian Basin unconventional operations. And we’re planning to do the same in the recently acquired Pioneer assets. 

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to this challenge. In some cases, when there’s ready access to electricity, it’s as simple as installing an air compressor or a mechanical valve. In other cases, it means looking outside our industry, collaborating with others to enhance existing controllers and other technologies to mitigate or eliminate emissions.

It can even mean using existing equipment in new ways, such as substituting nitrogen, a gas with no global warming potential, in pneumatic devices. We have deployed this solution with more than 1,000 pneumatic devices in the Appalachian Basin. 

And the benefits extend beyond each piece of equipment. When retrofitting our existing assets, we often replace the infrastructure, which improves reliability and can further reduce the chances of leaks and fugitive emissions.

We’re continuing to conduct trials to test emerging solutions as well. We’ll deploy the most promising ones and share what we learn to advance the ambition of near-zero methane emissions. 

Setting the standard in the Permian Basin

In the Permian Basin, we’re making good progress on our industry-leading plans to achieve net zero by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions from our heritage operated assets, even as our production continues to grow to help meet demand. 

Reducing methane emissions is a key part of that plan. So far, in our heritage Permian Basin operations, we have:

  • Eliminated all routine flaring.
  • Replaced all natural-gas-driven pneumatic devices.
  • Begun electrifying our natural gas compression units, eliminating methane slip.
  • Electrified 100% of our drilling fleet.15
  • Deployed our first electric fracturing unit.

We are working to accelerate similar milestones in our recently acquired Pioneer assets.

We have also focused on improving leak detection and response times. Remote operators now receive automated alerts 24/7 when an event is detected so they can quickly analyze the data and dispatch crews. Our work led to us being recognized as an industry leader by the Environmental Defense Fund.16

We are working to expand these continuous monitoring and response capabilities, as well as automate the collection and analysis of data through integrated operations support centers.

Monitoring and detection 

Our detection and quantification work is improving the accuracy of the methane volumes and intensity data. This work also helps us assess the scale of the challenge and how effective our efforts are. The framework we’ve established and shared with regulators, trade groups, and others has helped in the development of consistent and comparable data which, along with improving field measurements, guide our mitigation efforts. 

On the ground, in the air, and in space, the technology and processes we use to identify non-routine methane emissions give us a wide range of data points to inform and continuously improve our mitigation efforts. At this time, we’re advancing detection technologies across our global upstream operated assets.

Methods of detection

Method Technologies Detection thresholds* Considerations ExxonMobil sites**
Manual detection
  • Handheld devices
  • Portable detectors
Less than 1 kg/hr
Advantages: Precise location of emissions, using services already available in some locations.

Limitations:
Labor intensive, periodic, and subject to human error. Does not provide quantification. No access to difficult-to-reach locations.
  • Permian Basin, U.S. (including Pioneer)
  • Eagle Ford, U.S.
  • Bakken, U.S.
  • Appalachian Basin, U.S.
  • Haynesville, U.S.
  • LaBarge, U.S.
  • Guyana FPSO
  • Hebron, Canada
  • Kearl Oil Sands, Canada
  • Cold Lake, Canada
  • Normal Wells, Canada
  • Malaysia
  • Nigeria
  • Angola
  • Germany
Facility-scale, near-continuous monitoring
  • Fixed cameras
  • On-the-ground sensors
Less than 1 kg/hr - 20 kg/hr

Advantages: Stationary monitoring, offering near continuous coverage of an individual site. Continued research and innovation are increasing the likely accuracy and scalability.


Limitations:
Quantification is an area of active and ongoing development. For point sensors, localization can also be challenging.  

  • Permian Basin, U.S. (including Pioneer)
Facility-scale, periodic monitoring
  • Drones
Less than 1kg/hr

Advantages: Can cover multiple sites in their entirety, including areas unreachable by handheld devices.


Limitations
: Wind speed affect the detection and quantification performance.

  • Permian Basin, U.S. (heritage)
Aerial detection
  • Airplanes
  • Helicopters
Less than 3 kg/hr - 50 kg/hr Advantages: Can cover hundreds of sites per day.

Limitations: Observations reflect only a snapshot in time. The effectiveness the survey can be limited by weather conditions.

  • Permian Basin, U.S. (including Pioneer)
  • Eagle Ford, U.S.
  • Bakken, U.S.
  • Appalachian Basin, U.S.
  • Haynesville, U.S.
  • Germany
  • Australia
Satellite detection
  • Low-earth orbit networks
Less than 100 kg/hr - 1,400 kg/hr Advantages: Global coverage. Potentially lower cost.

Limitations: High detection thresholds and sensitivity to environmental conditions.
  • LaBarge and Permian Basin, U.S. (heritage)
  • Kearl and Cold Lake, Canada
  • Germany
  • Indonesia
  • Australia
*Detection thresholds vary depending on human and environmental factors, including weather and wind conditions.
**Includes sites where these technologies have been piloted or deployed. 
Planning stages.

The technology to detect and quantify methane emissions keeps getting better. The current industry and regulatory approach on the ground is focused on manual leak detection. At the same time, we’re investing to develop and deploy technologies that increase the efficiency, precision, and coverage of our detection abilities. 

We are rapidly advancing the development and deployment of near-continuous monitoring to enable real-time notification and mitigation of potential non-routine emission sources. We expect to deploy continuous monitoring platforms on all key heritage operated sites in the Permian Basin by the end of 2025. We are taking our learnings to develop plans for similar deployments for our recently acquired Pioneer assets and across our global upstream portfolio. 

Periodic monitoring using airplanes or drones can further expand coverage to dozens of onshore sites per day, depending on local conditions and logistics. The moment-in-time observations provided by airplane surveys continue to be a valuable source of data – but we’re going even higher to enhance detection across larger areas on a more continuous basis. And, at the highest level, satellites have the potential to provide global, near-continuous data. 

COMET: Bringing it all together in real time

Your home smoke detector serves an important purpose. When the alarm sounds, you know that it has sensed a problem. Whether it’s smoke or just a low battery, you know that you need to respond.

Our Center for Operations and Methane Emissions Tracking (COMET) operates much like a smoke detector in your home. Only we’ve scaled it to cover massive areas with diverse sources of data. When there’s a problem, our operators will know.

Launched in 2022, COMET continuously monitors and analyzes methane emissions data from sources across our heritage operations in the Permian Basin. The facility, located in our global headquarters in Houston, Texas, is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to enable rapid detection and mitigation.

COMET is a potential game changer for ExxonMobil and the industry, and we’re continuing to apply what we’ve learned. In early 2024, we began monitoring advanced process data from our Bakken assets in North Dakota. Proactive and continuous monitoring provides actionable data about unscheduled takeaway and mechanical issues that lead to flaring. These efforts have helped reduce average daily flaring in the Bakken by approximately 30% since 2023.

Measurement and reporting

We’ve publicly reported our methane emissions every year since 2014. Reporting is useful as we work with academia, industry peers, and other stakeholders to improve understanding of methane emissions and develop best practices.

Our data, past and present, is measured and reported based on internationally recognized methods and is compiled by determining emissions by source at each operated asset across our company. Using frameworks like Veritas and the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, we’ve improved our reporting each year.

Reducing uncertainty in how we quantify methane emissions is an important part of our efforts. We’re advancing solutions that help to continuously monitor and more precisely measure methane emissions.

As technology develops, we’re making good progress with direct methane measurement, recognizing that in some cases, direct measurement and quantification may be difficult or impossible. In offshore locations, for example, water interferes with accurate satellite and aerial measurement. In other areas, airspace regulations may restrict drone use. Each location is different and presents unique challenges. 

Oil & Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0

We joined the OGMP 2.0 in January 2024 and are pursuing Gold Standard Pathway. Our heritage Pioneer assets received Gold Standard Pathway recognition in 2024. As part of OGMP 2.0, we plan to increase  measurements at the emission source. This work will contribute to a better understanding of our absolute emissions and support continuous monitoring solutions.

Understanding emission factors

Consistent with industry practices, we use emission factors with observational and other data, to estimate average methane emissions. Classes of equipment, types of activities, or other variables are multiplied by the relevant emission factor, which provides a credible estimate for our emissions inventory. Consistent with regulatory reporting requirements, emission factors come from multiple sources, including the American Petroleum Institute and the U.S. EPA GHG Reporting Program. As direct measurement and detection technologies evolve, emission factors are expected to be improved or used less industry-wide.

Advocacy and collaboration

The energy industry is collaborative by nature. We work with industry partners and regulators around the world to advocate for strong and consistent measurement, reporting, and verification standards. We also collaborate with universities, industry groups, and others to advance the technologies and fundamental science related to methane emissions. 

Supporting rational and constructive policy

The model regulatory framework we published in 2020 provides a blueprint for industry-wide regulation, urging stakeholders, policy makers, and governments to develop comprehensive rules for methane emissions. 

We work with the European Commission Directorate-General for Environment and United States agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, among others, to encourage practical and effective regulation of methane emissions. In the United States alone, there are half a dozen agencies doing important work on methane rules. If not well coordinated, this could lead to overlapping and potentially conflicting regulations. This is why we’re focused on rational and constructive policy that supports the deployment of technology and builds on successful industry efforts. 

In recent years, the commentary and guidance we’ve offered regulators includes:

Teaming up to reduce methane emissions

We know we can’t go it alone. Collaboration is vital. By working with a wide range of universities, academic consortiums, environmental groups, and more, we’re helping to advance leading-edge research and pilot new technologies. 

Among others, we’re members of (*ExxonMobil is a founding member): 

  • Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0: A United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) partnership of more than 140 companies across more than 70 countries focused on improving the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions measurement and reporting in the oil and gas industry.
  • Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter: A unique collaboration to accelerate the decarbonization of the global oil and gas sector by fostering inclusive industry cooperation and knowledge sharing
  • Oil and Gas Climate Initiative: A CEO-led initiative of 12 of the world’s leading energy companies, which celebrated its tenth year of collective action in 2024.
  • Stanford Natural Gas Initiative*: A collaboration of more than 40 research groups from multiple disciplines working with industry partners and others to maximize the social, economic, and environmental benefits of natural gas. 
  • Project Astra*: A partnership to monitor emissions across the Permian Basin with a first-of-its-kind sensor network, led by The University of Texas at Austin and bringing us together with the Environmental Defense Fund, Chevron, and GTI Energy, a research organization focused on energy solutions. 
  • Veritas: GTI Energy’s Methane Emissions Measurement and Verification Initiative, pursuing credible, comparable methane emissions measurement and accelerating actions that reduce methane emissions.
  • The Environmental Partnership*: A collaboration among U.S. oil and natural gas companies of all sizes to take action on environmental performance, transfer knowledge, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

Thought leadership

We share what we learn through peer-reviewed publications either co-authored by ExxonMobil or funded in part by the company. Since 2016, dozens of articles have been published in academic and trade journals. Topics covered include tiered leak detection and repair programs, global to point-source methane emissions quantification, next-generation imaging, satellite capabilities, region-specific life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of oil and natural gas, and much more. 

Our work has been shared in technical briefings at venues like the American Geophysical Union and European Geophysical Union annual meetings, the American Petroleum Institute’s Environmental Partnership meetings, and Stanford University’s Methane Emissions Technology Alliance. 

Publications

Explore more

FOOTNOTES:

  1. ExxonMobil’s 2030 GHG emission reduction plans: https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/news/news-releases/2021/1201_exxonmobil-announces-plans-to-2027-doubling-earnings-and-cash-flow-potential-reducing-emissions. ExxonMobil’s 2030 plans are expected to result in a 20%-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity, including reductions of 40%-50% in upstream intensity, 70%-80% in corporate-wide methane intensity, and 60%-70% in corporate-wide flaring intensity. Based on Scope 1 and 2 emissions of ExxonMobil operated assets (versus 2016). ExxonMobil’s reported emissions, reductions, and avoidance performance data are based on a combination of measured and estimated emissions data using reasonable efforts and collection methods. Calculations are based on industry standards and best practices, including guidance from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Ipieca. There is uncertainty associated with emissions, reductions, and avoidance performance data due to variation in processes and operations, the availability of sufficient data, quality of those data, and methodology used for measurement and estimation. Performance data may include rounding. Changes to performance data may be reported as part of the company’s annual publications as new or updated data and/or emission methodologies become available. We are working to continuously improve our performance and methods to detect, measure, and address greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Based on U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review, December 2024 Edition: eia.gov/totalenergy/data/monthly/archive/00352412.pdf and IEA CO2 Emissions Report in 2023: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/33e2badc-b839-4c18-84ce-f6387b3c008f/CO2Emissionsin2023.pdf.
  3. International Energy Agency, CO2 Emissions 2023, Page 14: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/33e2badc-b839-4c18-84ce-f6387b3c008f/CO2Emissionsin2023.pdf.
  4. ExxonMobil 2024 Global Outlook.
  5. H. Khutal, K. Kirchner-Ortiz, M. Blackhurst, N. Willems, H. S. Matthews, S. Rai,G. Yanai, K. Chivukula, Priyadarshini, M. B. Jamieson, T. J. Skone, "Life Cycle Analysis of Natural Gas Extraction and Power Generation: U.S. 2020 Emissions Profile," National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, December 2024.
  6. IPCC AR6 Report, Chapter 7: The Earth’s Energy Budget, Climate Feedbacks and Climate Sensitivity (Table 7.15): https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Chapter07.pdf.
  7. Emission metrics are based on assets operated by ExxonMobil, using the latest performance and plan data available as of 3/1/2025. Flaring intensity is calculated as m3 per metric ton of throughput or production. Methane intensity is calculated as metric tons CH4 per 100 metric tons of throughput or production. Calculations are based on industry standards and best practices, including guidance from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Ipieca. There is uncertainty associated with the emissions, reductions, and avoidance performance data due to variation in the processes and operations, the availability of sufficient data, quality of those data, and methodology used for measurement and estimation. Performance data may include rounding. Changes to the performance data may be reported as part of the Company’s annual publications as new or updated data and/or emission methodologies become available. We are working to continuously improve our performance and methods to detect, measure and address greenhouse gas emissions. ExxonMobil works with industry, including API and Ipieca, to improve emission factors and methodologies, including measurements and estimates.
  8. ExxonMobil methane emissions estimates as of year-end 2024.
  9. Emission metrics are based on assets operated by ExxonMobil, using the latest performance and plan data available as of 3/1/2025. Methane intensity is calculated as metric tons CH4 per 100 metric tons of throughput or production. Calculations are based on industry standards and best practices, including guidance from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Ipieca. There is uncertainty associated with the emissions, reductions, and avoidance performance data due to variation in the processes and operations, the availability of sufficient data, quality of those data, and methodology used for measurement and estimation. Performance data may include rounding. Changes to the performance data may be reported as part of the Company’s annual publications as new or updated data and/or emission methodologies become available. We are working to continuously improve our performance and methods to detect, measure and address greenhouse gas emissions. ExxonMobil works with industry, including API and Ipieca, to improve emission factors and methodologies, including measurements and estimates.
  10. Based on Scope 1 and 2 emissions of operated assets (versus 2016).
  11. References to routine flaring herein are consistent with the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative/Global Gas Flaring & Methane Reduction (GFMR) Reduction Partnership principle of routine flaring, and excludes safety and non-routine flaring.
  12. Emission metrics are based on assets operated by ExxonMobil, using the latest performance and plan data available as of 3/1/2025. Flaring intensity is calculated as m3 per metric ton of throughput or production. Calculations are based on industry standards and best practices, including guidance from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Ipieca. There is uncertainty associated with the emissions, reductions, and avoidance performance data due to variation in the processes and operations, the availability of sufficient data, quality of those data, and methodology used for measurement and estimation. Performance data may include rounding. Changes to the performance data may be reported as part of the Company’s annual publications as new or updated data and/or emission methodologies become available. We are working to continuously improve our performance and methods to detect, measure and address greenhouse gas emissions. ExxonMobil works with industry, including API and Ipieca, to improve emission factors and methodologies, including measurements and estimates.
  13. References to routine flaring herein are consistent with the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative/Global Gas Flaring & Methane Reduction (GFMR) Reduction Partnership principle of routine flaring, and excludes safety and non-routine flaring.
  14. Ibid.
  15. Fleet utilizes grid electricity when available.
  16. https://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/wp-content/blogs.dir/38/files/2022/11/PermianMAPFinalReport.pdf