Source: ExxonMobil
Significant methane reductions in the Permian Basin reflect advancements in technology, operations, and emissions monitoring.
A recent report from S&P Global Commodity Insights highlights major progress in methane emissions reductions in the Permian Basin, the most productive oil and gas region in the United States and a lifeline for the Texas economy. Between 2022 and 2024, methane intensity from upstream oil and gas operations in the basin fell by more than 50%, reaching just 0.44% per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) by the end of 2024. This improvement was driven by enhanced operational practices, upgraded equipment, and increased deployment of advanced technologies, including AI-driven leak detection and high-frequency aerial monitoring.
In absolute terms, methane emissions in 2024 declined by 21.3 billion cubic feet (bcf) compared to the previous year, and by 55.2 bcf over the two-year period. These reductions are equivalent to avoiding 28.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, using a 100-year global warming potential conversion. To put that into perspective, the reductions exceed the annual emissions of Lithuania, are 50% greater than all emissions reductions achieved by the UK power sector, and surpass the impact of all electric vehicles sold in the U.S. and EU combined during the same timeframe.
These gains occurred even in the face of low natural gas prices in the region, with spot market values averaging only $0.02 in 2024 due to oversupply and infrastructure limitations. Despite the limited commercial incentive, operators continued to implement and expand emissions control programs, underscoring a broader commitment to environmental performance. The forgone economic value of the lost methane was minimal, just 0.002% of total hydrocarbon revenues, highlighting that the industry’s emissions reduction efforts are driven more by operational priorities and environmental accountability than by short-term market returns.
The data behind these findings come from over 500 high-resolution aerial surveys, covering 90% of the Permian’s oil and gas production and over 80% of active wells. This level of coverage provides one of the most accurate and comprehensive assessments of methane emissions to date, with observational methods capable of detecting plumes as small as 10 kilograms per hour. These technologies enable emissions to be traced down to specific equipment, allowing for faster mitigation and preventive maintenance.
Methane management has increasingly become a standard part of daily operations in Texas oil and gas fields. Field staff now regularly use tools like real-time sensors and AI-powered analytics not only to detect and fix leaks but also to predict and prevent them. Meanwhile, equipment manufacturers have responded by designing and delivering components with emissions control features built in, further supporting field-level performance improvements.
The report demonstrates how proactive investment in emissions monitoring and mitigation is delivering measurable environmental benefits across the Permian Basin. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, these efforts show that the oil and gas industry can play a meaningful role in emissions reduction while maintaining energy output. The progress in the Permian reflects a broader trend toward operational excellence and environmental responsibility, setting an example for energy producers nationwide.
