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.

Perspective May 19, 2020

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.

The company is working with the University of Texas, Gas Technology Institute, Environmental Defense Fund and Pioneer Natural Resources.

Project Astra will create a network of sensors to feed data to a central system that can quickly alert the right people to fix a leak. This high-frequency monitoring system will enable operators to more efficiently direct resources to a specific location. If successful, the project could provide a more affordable, efficient solution to reduce methane emissions.

ExxonMobil is also testing a host of other solutions, including satellites, aircraft and unmanned drones, to detect these emissions.

Here’s a look at Project Astra.

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ExxonMobil is setting out to change how the industry tracks, and fixes, methane leaks.

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Methane: Developing new technologies for regulatory compliance

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ExxonMobil urges action on methane emission regulations

ExxonMobil urges action on methane emission regulations

ExxonMobil has long advocated for federal methane regulations as the most effective way to reduce methane emissions at scale, and we are pleased that President Biden has prioritized reducing methane emissions as part of his administration’s plan to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement – which we support.

Methane Perspective Jan. 28, 2021

ExxonMobil supports methane regulation

ExxonMobil supports methane regulation

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed how it might regulate future methane emissions, so I thought it would be a good time to reiterate ExxonMobil’s position on methane. Last year we announced our support for the direct regulation of methane emissions for new and existing oil and gas facilities. That hasn’t changed.

Methane Perspective Aug. 30, 2019