Long Term, Periodic Aerial Surveys Cost Effectively Mitigate Methane Emissions

Abstract Results of multiple years of periodic aerial methane surveys over Pioneer Natural Resources’ operations footprint, comprising approximately 680,000 acres in the Permian basin, are presented, including impacts to operational efficiency, cost, and methane emissions mitigation. Aerial methane detection was performed using a light-aircraft mounted, integrated methane imaging spectrometer. Geo-referenced methane emissions data combined with real-time geo-referenced optical imagery provided accurate methane localization and source attribution. Ground inspection teams used optical gas imaging technology to validate the aerial results and dispatch repair teams. Externally validated leak quantification provided by the spectrometer further allowed accurate measurement of methane mitigation. Aerial methane inspections of nearly 10,000 operations sites per survey, including wells, tank batteries, and all associated equipment, are reported for multiple years of periodic surveys. The data shows a complete picture of the most significant methane emissions from the Pioneer operations footprint over consecutive years and has proven beneficialinvaluable for enhancing operational efficiency. Based on the data, Pioneer has been able to identify the areas of highest impact and focus operational resources on those improvements. Surveys identified types of emission sources that can be addressed immediately within Pioneer operations and areas where Pioneer would need to work with others to improve overall gas takeaway challenges in the Permian basin. Furthermore, Pioneer has reduced leak detection and repair (LDAR) costs significantly by reducing both driving time and ground-based inspection time. We estimate more than 2500 work hours and 1000 driving hours, were saved by each aerial survey. Between 2016 and 2018, the company's methane intensity has declined approximately 41%. Aerial survey results have allowed Pioneer to significantly reduce methane emissions while simultaneously improving safety and efficiency, reducing costs, and reducing vehicle traffic. To our knowledge, this is the first multi-year, comprehensive, aerial periodic methane survey of an entire upstream oil and gas operation's footprint. We're now able to report on the benefits of this paradigm shift away from conventional LDAR surveys. Although the challenge of reducing methane emissions can be daunting, the results from aerial monitoring show that with a technology and data-driven approach, operators can significantly reduce emissions while simultaneously reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.