Perspective Nov. 15, 2022

Our purpose in the Permian

Oil and natural gas are fundamental to modern life, from heating homes and filling gas tanks to generating electricity and providing the chemical building blocks for plastics. As one of the most active operators across the Permian Basin – a vast area roughly the size of Kansas that's spread across southwest Texas and southeast New Mexico – ExxonMobil is working to increase global energy supplies at a time when demand for reliable energy is growing.

Perspective Nov. 15, 2022

Take a look at how our Permian team is helping to provide energy the world needs while also reducing emissions.

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The Permian Basin accounted for more than 50% of ExxonMobil’s net U.S. oil and gas output in 2022 – and our production grew 20% during that period to more than 550,000 oil-equivalent barrels per day. Production is expected to continue growing to over 800,000 in 2027.

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Reducing methane emissions is a cornerstone of our plan to get to net zero in the Permian by 2030. That's why we support the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative's Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative and we're striving to reach near zero methane emissions from operated oil and gas assets by 2030.

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Our Permian net zero by 2030 plan includes reducing methane emissions by advancing ground, air and satellite methane detection; redesigning our facilities; and upgrading our equipment to prevent leaks.
We’re also on track to end routine natural gas flaring by the end of the year across our Permian operations – in line with the World Bank Zero Routine Flaring Initiative.

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“The additional technologies that we're bringing and integrating – such as fixed ground sensors, thermal imaging cameras and leak detection sensors – are giving us the ability to continuously monitor for methane emissions and ultimately, reduce them significantly.” – Stefanie Asher, Permian continuous methane monitoring program manager at ExxonMobil

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Working together with nonprofit organization MiQ, we've certified natural gas in the Permian Basin. After assessing the methane intensity, monitoring technology deployment and mitigation practices at our facilities in Poker Lake, New Mexico, MiQ awarded us its top "A" grade, for a portion of our natural gas produced there.

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Our certified natural gas is now powering schools, homes and businesses in southeastern New Mexico. “I'm really excited about the future of certified natural gas, which is really about helping companies operate responsibly.” – Lara Owens, U.S. program manager for MiQ

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In addition to directly reducing methane emissions and minimizing flaring, our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions include redesigning equipment, electrifying and switching to lower-carbon power, which can include renewable energy or natural gas paired with carbon capture and storage.

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“The oil and natural gas we produce in the Permian powers countless homes and businesses. Not only that, but we’re also implementing a range of technologies to lower emissions. I’m proud of the work we do here, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.” – Cody Hays, Permian net-zero program manager at ExxonMobil

Explore more

Certifying natural gas on a pathway to a lower-emission energy future

In 2021, ExxonMobil became the first integrated energy company to announce participation in a program to certify natural gas production through a pilot at Poker Lake, New Mexico, a key area of its Permian Basin operations, using standards developed by MiQ, a nonprofit organization.

Methane reduction

Perspective • May 24, 2022

All in on industry initiative aiming for zero methane emissions

Reducing methane emissions is a cornerstone of ExxonMobil’s net-zero by 2050 (Scope 1 & 2) ambition. That’s why we support the Aiming for Zero Methane Emissions Initiative announced last week by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OCGI).

Methane reduction

Viewpoints • March 14, 2022

The global methane pledge

In September, the U.S. and European Union announced a Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. More than 30 nations have now joined the Pledge, and more could be announced at the upcoming COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland.

Methane reduction

Viewpoints • Oct. 26, 2021

Certified gas pilot to help our customers meet environmental goals

The methane landscape has evolved rapidly and considerably since ExxonMobil announced our enhanced voluntary methane emissions mitigation program nearly four years ago.

Methane reduction

Perspective • Sept. 15, 2021

When it comes to methane, better regulatory approach needed

There has been a strong regulatory reform effort over the last few years in the U.S. that has spurred investment and economic growth. As our Chairman and CEO Darren Woods has noted, sound tax and regulatory policies help foster pro-growth business climates.

Methane reduction

Viewpoints • Aug. 20, 2020

A framework for regulatory progress on methane reductions

Leading ExxonMobil’s unconventional resource development business has provided the opportunity to see how our employees reacted when they received a signal that reducing methane emissions is important. Our performance has exceeded all expectations, and we are confident similar results can be achieved across our industry.

Methane reduction

Viewpoints • March 3, 2020

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Our purpose in the Permian

Explore more

Certifying natural gas on a pathway to a lower-emission energy future

All in on industry initiative aiming for zero methane emissions

The global methane pledge

Certified gas pilot to help our customers meet environmental goals

When it comes to methane, better regulatory approach needed

A framework for regulatory progress on methane reductions