Reports & Studies

Permian Basin Producers: Charting A Cleaner Energy Future

From 2011 to 2021, methane intensity in the Permian Basin has fallen more than 76 percent, even as production increased over 345 percent in that same period, according to an analysis by Texans for Natural Gas, a project of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association. Between 2020 and 2021, methane intensity in the Permian fell by almost 20 percent. 

Published : December 2022

Related Key Terms:

Permian Basin
Methane Emissions
Flaring
Methane Intensity
Venting

Table of Contents

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Key Findings

  • METHANE INTENSITY CONTINUES DOWNWARD TREND: Between 2011 and 2021, methane emissions intensity fell by more than 76 percent in the Permian Basin. Since 2011, total oil and gas production in the Permian has increased by over 345 percent. 
  • FLARING INTENSITY DECLINED: Flaring intensity in the Permian Basin decreased by over 34 percent from 2020 to 2021. Texas as a whole has also dramatically reduced its flaring intensity. Between 2020 to 2021, the state reduced its flaring intensity by 60 percent.
  • PERMIAN CLEANER THAN GLOBAL COMPETITORS: The Permian Basin stands apart from other global producers not only because of its prolific production, but by remaining well below the flaring intensity of other global producers. In 2021, when compared to the Permian, flaring intensity was 2,621 percent higher in Venezuela, and 339 percent higher in Russia.
  • PERMIAN MAKING MORE FLARING PROGRESS THAN GLOBAL COMPETITORS:  Not only is the Permian a leader in low flaring intensity, it is helping the U.S. make more progress than any other country in the world. Of the top 10 countries by flared volumes, the United States has made the most progress in reducing its emissions. From 2019 to 2021, the United States has cut flared volumes almost in half – a 49.3 percent decrease.

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