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Mitigating operational greenhouse gas emissions
In our operations, we focus on five key levers to reduce GHG emissions: flare reduction, energy efficiency, cogeneration of power and steam, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and production efficiency. Since 2006, we have invested $1.6 billion in activities that improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions. In addition, we have invested over $5 billion in gas utilization and commercialization projects to reduce routine natural gas flaring.
Greenhouse gas emissions
In 2010, direct GHG emissions1 from our equity operations were 132 million metric tons. Indirect GHG emissions from purchased electricity and steam at our equity operations were estimated to be 15 million metric tons. After subtracting the equity GHG emissions from the production of electricity and steam exported from our operations (included in our direct emissions), our net equity GHG emissions were estimated to be 127 million metric tons. This is an increase of about 4 million metric tons, or 3 percent from 2009. While increases from new projects such as liquefied natural gas production in Qatar and operations in Iraq increased GHG emissions by 5 million metric tons, we offset GHG emissions by 3 million metric tons through energy management and flare reductions. The remainder was due to normal variations in operations.
View chart: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (absolute)
View chart: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (normalized)
View chart: Greenhouse Gas Reductions From ExxonMobil Actions
Efficiency
Producing fuel and petrochemicals requires significant amounts of energy. In 2010, our operations consumed approximately 1.47 billion gigajoules of energy. Since 2000, we have used our Global Energy Management System (GEMS) to systematically identify and address operational efficiency opportunities.
Cogeneration
As an industry leader in cogeneration—the simultaneous production of electricity and heat or steam that can be used for industrial purposes—we have interests in more than 100 cogeneration facilities in more than 30 locations.
Flare Reduction
Hydrocarbon gases are naturally brought to the surface during crude oil extraction. In some instances, this associated gas is flared or burned, either as a safety measure or as a means of disposal.
Global Climate and Energy Project
In 2002, ExxonMobil made a long-term research commitment by becoming a founding sponsor of the Global Climate and Energy Project (GCEP) at Stanford University in California.
1Our calculations are based on the guidance provided in the Compendium of Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimation Methodologies for the Oil and Gas Industry (American Petroleum Institute) and the Petroleum Industry Guidelines for Reporting Greenhouse Gas Emissions (International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association).
