Detection technology

A technology-driven approach to reducing methane emissions

Technology solutions are essential to the global effort to address climate change, including methane emissions, and key enablers in our roadmap to net zero (Scope 1 and 2) in the Permian Basin by 2030. Our scientists and engineers are collaborating with industry partners and academia to develop, test and deploy cutting-edge technologies that can quickly detect methane emissions for potential application across the energy industry. Learn more about the technologies that can have a profound impact on detecting and reducing methane emissions, from ground-based sensors and aerial flyovers to satellites in outer space.  

  • From space

    By partnering with Scepter, we’re working to advance the scientific understanding of satellite-based methane detection, and develop technology to greatly improve global methane detection and quantification. Through other collaborations with Stanford University and the Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science, we’re progressing field and desktop studies to better understand capabilities of current deployed satellite technology .
    From space From space

  • In the air

    Using an aerial approach, Gas Mapping LiDAR™ imaging technology developed by Bridger Photonics will complement a suite of solutions already being used in the field. By investing in the latest technologies, we will be able to find and fix leaks faster. We’ve submitted an application to the EPA to use this aerial technology  as a new and effective model for regulations on methane detection.   
    In the air In the air

  • On the ground

    We’re also testing and deploying ground-based detection systems that combine research in sensing technology, plume modeling and data analytics to identify emissions more effectively for repair. These efforts include scaled application of SOOFIEs, advanced sensors developed by Scientific Aviation, and Projects Astra and Falcon, collaborations in both the lab and the field with leading researchers and industry members to determine the best approach to monitoring methane emissions on the ground. 
    On the ground On the ground

Learn more

Snapshots of solution makers: Felipe J. Cardoso Saldaña Felipe J. Saldaña is relatively new to ExxonMobil, joining the company just last year. But in that short time, the Ph.D. has jumped into helping develop better ways to detect methane emissions in regions across the world.

Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 5, 2021

Snapshots of solution makers: James Hall James Hall, who holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, spent years studying both microbial life deep underground and environments that could support life on Mars and beyond. He then decided that the most impactful place to study the interplay between life and the environment was here on Earth itself, through work that supports the need for energy while protecting the planet.

Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 6, 2021

Snapshots of solution makers: Monte Dobson Monte Dobson has spent his entire career at ExxonMobil and today leads the company’s ambitious push to cut methane emissions. With a background in physics and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, Monte oversees a group that assesses the different methods available for methane detection and abatement.

Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 6, 2021

Snapshots of solution makers: Sam Aminfard Sam Aminfard is in the right position at the right time. Having recently obtained his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, Sam’s expertise helps ExxonMobil prioritize which methane detection technologies are best suited for use in the field – at a time when new solutions are constantly being developed for a challenge that requires immediate attention.

Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 6, 2021

Tracking methane from above ExxonMobil is setting out to change how the industry tracks, and fixes, methane leaks. Earlier this year, ExxonMobil submitted its application to the Environmental Protection Agency to use aerial technology as a new model regulatory framework for detecting methane.

Emissions and climate Energy Factor • July 29, 2021

Methane: Developing new technologies for regulatory compliance ExxonMobil is the first company to file an application with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use new technologies to detect methane emissions at oil and natural gas sites.

Methane reduction Energy Factor • April 8, 2021

Reducing methane emissions by leveraging terabytes ExxonMobil is working to find new and better ways to monitor and reduce methane emissions through a new collaboration involving universities, environmental groups and other industry partners. Called Project Astra, the effort is focused on developing an innovative sensor network to continuously monitor methane emissions across large areas to enable quick and efficient detection and repair of leaks.

Methane reduction Energy Factor • May 19, 2020

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