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.

The Permian Basin accounted for more than 50% of ExxonMobils 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.

1/8 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.

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.

2/8 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.

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.
Were 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.

3/8 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.

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

4/8 “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

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

5/8 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.

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

6/8 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

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.

7/8 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.

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

8/8 “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 Perspective • 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 Perspective • 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

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: 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.