EurOil: TotalEnergies steps up efforts to tackle methane emissions

TotalEnergies announced on November 14 it would intensify its efforts to monitor and reduce methane emissions, aiming for near-zero emissions across all its operated upstream sites by 2030.

The announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of methane emissions associated with oil and gas production. Methane is far more potent a greenhouse gas (GHG) than CO2, though its much shorter life-cycle in the atmosphere means reductions in emissions in the near term and have a faster impact on global warming.

TotalEnergies plans to install continuous, real-time methane detection systems at its assets, marking a significant enhancement in the company's emission control measures, it said. The French energy major, which has been pursuing a goal to nearly eliminate methane emissions by 2030, aims to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by 2024 compared to 2020 levels – one year ahead of its initial target. The company is on course to meet an 80% reduction target by 2030, driven by various initiatives, including the deployment of AUSEA drones for monitoring.

The new plan involves fitting continuous detection equipment across all its operated upstream assets by the end of 2025. This approach will employ established technologies such as IoT sensors, infrared cameras, flowmeters and predictive emissions monitoring systems, enabling real-time detection and immediate action to curb both fugitive and stationary methane leaks.

This detection strategy, which includes both existing operations and new projects such as the GranMorgu FPSO in Suriname, positions TotalEnergies as a leader in methane emissions control within the energy sector, the company said.

“Reducing methane emissions is a pressing priority in the fight against climate change. Real-time, continuous detection will empower our operators to take swift action, minimising emissions and repairing leaks as we work towards our goal of near-zero methane emissions,” TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said in a statement. “As a champion of the Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter, TotalEnergies is proud to lead the way in deploying this technology at scale and collaborating with industry partners to share best practices.”

The company also reported on November 19 that it had signed a co-operation agreement with Oil India Ltd (OIL) on carrying out methane emissions detection and measurement campaigns using its AUSEA technology at OIL sites in India.

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