Austin, Texas - Texans for Natural Gas (TNG), a project of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), released its annual methane emissions intensity analysis today, finding the Permian Basin’s rate has fallen by more than 76 percent from 2011 to 2021, even as production increased by over 345 percent in the same period. Year over year, from 2020 to 2021, methane intensity in the Permian fell by 20 percent – a significant reduction over the course of just one year. 

The analysis, Permian Basin Producers: Charting A Cleaner Energy Future, is TNG’s fourth report on methane and flaring intensity in the Permian Basin. The report utilizes data from the World Bank, Energy Information Administration (EIA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Rystad Energy to show how Permian producers are leading the world when it comes to responsibly meeting the world’s growing energy demand.

Report Highlights: 

• 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 PROGESS THAN GLOBAL COMPETITORS: Not only is the Permian a leader in low flaring intensity, but it is also 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.

“Texas’ role as a global energy leader extends well beyond just volumes,” said Ed Longanecker, TIPRO president and TNG spokesperson. “Our state, and the Permian specifically, produces some of the world’s cleanest natural gas. That matters more than ever today, as global unrest is creating energy challenges everywhere. We have what it takes to power the homes, businesses and industries of Americans and our allies. Leaders at home and abroad should take note of the progress Texas producers have made in methane and flaring intensity as they develop policies impacting our industry.”

Intensity – or the amount of methane emitted or flared per barrel of oil equivalent produced – is used as a reliable metric by many organizations across the globe, including the World Bank, the International Energy Agency (IEA) and ONE Future. 

The full report can be found here.