Detection technology

A technology-driven approach to reducing methane emissions

Technology solutions are essential to the global effort to address climate change, including methane emissions, and key enablers in our roadmap to net zero (Scope 1 and 2) in the Permian Basin by 2030. Our scientists and engineers are collaborating with industry partners and academia to develop, test and deploy cutting-edge technologies that can quickly detect methane emissions for potential application across the energy industry. Learn more about the technologies that can have a profound impact on detecting and reducing methane emissions, from ground-based sensors and aerial flyovers to satellites in outer space.  

  • From space

    By partnering with Scepter, we’re working to advance the scientific understanding of satellite-based methane detection, and develop technology to greatly improve global methane detection and quantification. Through other collaborations with Stanford University and the Collaboratory for Advancing Methane Science, we’re progressing field and desktop studies to better understand capabilities of current deployed satellite technology .
    From space From space

  • In the air

    Using airplanes and helicopters, we're trialing airborne technologies fitted with methane sensors to detect and quantify emissions. We are beginning to integrate information we collect from these flyovers with data from ground-based sensors in the field that are remotely monitored 24/7 from Houston, Texas.
    In the air In the air

  • On the ground

    We have begun continuous monitoring of methane emissions at a growing number of sites where we are installing next generation detection technologies, including ground-based mobile and fixed-position sensors. These sensors are being monitored 24/7 by our Center for Operations & Methane Emissions Tracking in Houston, Texas.
    On the ground On the ground

    Learn more

    Snapshots of solution makers: Felipe J. Cardoso Saldaña Felipe J. Saldaña is relatively new to ExxonMobil, joining the company just last year. But in that short time, the Ph.D. has jumped into helping develop better ways to detect methane emissions in regions across the world.

    Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 5, 2021

    Snapshots of solution makers: James Hall James Hall, who holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, spent years studying both microbial life deep underground and environments that could support life on Mars and beyond. He then decided that the most impactful place to study the interplay between life and the environment was here on Earth itself, through work that supports the need for energy while protecting the planet.

    Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 6, 2021

    Snapshots of solution makers: Monte Dobson Monte Dobson has spent his entire career at ExxonMobil and today leads the company’s ambitious push to cut methane emissions. With a background in physics and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, Monte oversees a group that assesses the different methods available for methane detection and abatement.

    Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 6, 2021

    Snapshots of solution makers: Sam Aminfard Sam Aminfard is in the right position at the right time. Having recently obtained his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, Sam’s expertise helps ExxonMobil prioritize which methane detection technologies are best suited for use in the field – at a time when new solutions are constantly being developed for a challenge that requires immediate attention.

    Methane reduction Energy Factor • Aug. 6, 2021

    Methane: Developing new technologies for regulatory compliance ExxonMobil is the first company to file an application with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use new technologies to detect methane emissions at oil and natural gas sites.

    Methane reduction Energy Factor • April 8, 2021

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