Irving-based ExxonMobil said April 9 it is conducting field trials at nearly 1,000 sites in Permian Basin of eight emerging methane detection technologies, including satellite and aerial surveillance, to further reduce methane emissions. The tests in Texas and New Mexico are evaluating effectiveness and scalability of next-generation detection technologies, including drones, planes, helicopters, and ground-based mobile and fixed-position sensors. All methods will be used to detect leaks and identify potential solutions that can be shared with other operators.
Staale Gjervik, senior vice president, said, “We are applying scientific rigor and taking aggressive steps to find commercially scalable and affordable solutions.”