Exxon, Pioneer, 3 others launch “Project Astra” network to detect emissions

Five industry groups, including Irving companies ExxonMobil and Pioneer Natural Resources, said this week they are collaborating on a new sensor network to monitor methane emissions in Permian Basin. Officials said Project Astra could revolutionize the way leaks are found and repaired. Joining Exxon and Pioneer are Gas Technology Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, and University of Texas. Exxon senior vice president Staale Gjervik said, “Project Astra is an ambitious and innovative collaboration to develop comprehensive, continuous monitoring of methane emissions – a potential new capability that can be achieved with industry-wide participation.”
The sensor network could allow producers and regulators to find and fix significant methane releases at or below the cost of current monitoring technologies. Technologies will be evaluated on their ability to operate autonomously while UT-Austin researchers will use virtual reality equipment to create a simulation and a minute-by-minute model documenting methane concentrations. Simulations will be used to identify types and locations of methane sensors most effective in collecting data.