
In recent years, several major oil and gas companies have made significant commitments to reduce methane emissions and their overall carbon footprints. These pledges are in response to increasing global pressure to address climate change and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. Below is an overview of the key initiatives by some of the leading companies in the sector.
ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil has committed to reducing methane emissions by 40-50% by 2025, using advanced detection technologies such as drones, infrared cameras, and satellites to monitor and minimize methane leaks. Additionally, the company is part of the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. ExxonMobil also plans to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 for its operated assets. CEO Darren Woods emphasized their investment in carbon capture, hydrogen, and biofuels to meet these goals​(ExxonMobil)​(ExxonMobil).
Chevron
Chevron’s pledge to reduce methane emissions includes eliminating routine flaring and significantly improving leak detection systems. The company is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and has committed to cutting its methane emissions intensity by 2028. Chevron uses technologies like drones and infrared sensors to enhance its leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs​(chevron.com).
BP
BP has been at the forefront of methane reduction initiatives, aiming to reduce its methane emissions intensity by 50% by 2025. The company has implemented continuous methane monitoring systems at its major oil and gas sites and is a member of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI). BP’s CEO, Bernard Looney, noted the company’s alignment with the Global Methane Pledge and emphasized their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050​(Kleinman Center for Energy Policy).
Shell
Shell is another major player committed to achieving near-zero methane emissions by 2030. The company has invested heavily in methane detection technologies, including real-time monitoring systems and advanced infrared cameras. Shell is also a member of the OGCI and aims to reduce its methane emissions intensity as part of its overall goal to become a net-zero energy business by 2050​(Global Methane Pledge).
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies has pledged to reduce methane emissions by 80% by 2030. The company has implemented technologies such as infrared methane sensors and drone-based leak detection to track and minimize emissions. TotalEnergies is also expanding its carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050​(S&P Global).
Eni
Italian energy company Eni has been a strong advocate for methane reduction. In its 2024 Methane Report, Eni committed to significant reductions, aligning with the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 standards. Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, highlighted that the company has reduced methane emissions by deploying technologies that leverage methane's optical properties to detect leaks. The company has been a leader in methane abatement, investing in advanced technologies for over a decade​(Offshore Technology).
Occidental Petroleum (Oxy)
Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) aims to reach net-zero operational emissions by 2040 and is working towards net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. Oxy is a leader in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, which play a key role in its methane and carbon reduction strategy. The company has emphasized that CCUS projects will be critical to meeting global climate targets​(Kleinman Center for Energy Policy).
Petrobras
Brazil’s Petrobras has committed to reducing methane emissions as part of the Global Methane Pledge. The company is focused on improving leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs, reducing flaring, and investing in carbon capture technologies. Petrobras aims to align its efforts with the global goal of reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030​(World Economic Forum).
Saudi Aramco
At COP28, Saudi Aramco joined 50 other oil and gas companies in pledging to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and cut methane emissions to near-zero by 2030. This pledge is part of a broader effort under the Global Decarbonization Accelerator, which aims to decarbonize key sectors like oil and gas. Aramco’s participation underscores the importance of large national oil companies in global emissions reduction efforts​(S&P Global).
QatarEnergy
Although QatarEnergy did not sign the methane pledge at COP28, the company has been working on projects to reduce routine flaring and improve emissions capture. QatarEnergy is also exploring carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to meet its national and global climate goals ​(S&P Global).
National Oil Companies (NOCs)
Several national oil companies (NOCs), including Sonatrach (Algeria) and Pemex (Mexico), are participating in initiatives to reduce methane emissions. Sonatrach is a participant in the World Bank’s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative, while Pemex is improving its methane monitoring and reduction technologies. These companies are under increasing pressure from investors and international organizations to improve sustainability and reduce emissions​(World Economic Forum).
Conclusion
The collective efforts by the oil and gas industry to reduce methane emissions represent a critical step in addressing climate change. While many companies have made bold commitments, the real challenge lies in implementation and verification. Advanced technologies like drones, continuous monitoring systems, and carbon capture projects will be essential in ensuring that these companies meet their ambitious targets. Global collaborations such as the Global Methane Pledge and initiatives like the Oil & Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) are crucial for holding companies accountable and driving progress toward a sustainable energy future.
References:
ExxonMobil Climate and Sustainability Report 2021
BP Sustainability Report 2021
Chevron Corporate Sustainability Report 2022
Shell Methane Emissions Report 2021
TotalEnergies Climate Report 2022
Eni Methane Report 2024
Occidental ESG Report 2021
Global Methane Pledge Website
COP28 Updates on Saudi Aramco and QatarEnergy
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