Emissions and climate

Effectively managing methane emissions

Natural gas is a versatile fuel, capable of powering utilities, homes and transportation. It also emits significantly fewer pollutants than coal power generation, including NOx, SOx, particulates, mercury, and up to 60 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). As recognized by the International Energy Agency and others, natural gas provides substantial air pollution and GHG benefits compared with coal, and can play a vital role in contributing to a sustainable energy mix. The IEA notes that addressing methane emissions across the value chain can further improve this strong environmental and sustainability profile.

Taking action

Enhancing a program to reduce methane emissions

ExxonMobil subsidiary XTO Energy recently expanded its methane emissions reduction initiative and signed onto the Environmental Partnership, a new industry program to reduce emissions from natural gas and oil production.

ExxonMobil has a long track record of understanding and managing its methane emissions from unconventional resources development, including hydraulic fracturing. These efforts include regulatory compliance, voluntary actions, and research conducted with academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and government agencies.

7M CO2-equivalent tons

of methane emissions in 2017, which is similar to our performance over the past several years

6%

of our direct greenhouse gas emissions are methane
Our comprehensive initiative is underscored by a technology research and testing effort, and includes personnel training, equipment phaseout and facility design improvements.

All articles about methane emissions reduction

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 Blog Oct. 26, 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: 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.

Methane reduction Energy Factor Aug. 6, 2021

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