Pioneer halves methane intensity from 2019 baseline

US natural gas producer Pioneer Natural Resources has halved its methane emissions intensity from a 2019 baseline, the company reported in a sustainability report published on July 25.

The company is targeting a 75% reduction in methane emissions intensity by the end of the decade. It has also reduced its overall Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 22% versus the level in 2019, and aims to reduce it by 50% versus the baseline by 2030.

Pioneer joined the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 last year, considered a gold standard for standards of methane emissions measurement and reporting. It has also pledged to end routine flaring by 2025, having brought its target forward by five years. and wants to cut the amount of freshwater it uses in well completions to 20% or less by 2026.

"Pioneer continues to demonstrate our leadership position in environmental, social and governance policies and accomplishments, which we are proud to outline in our 2022 sustainability report," CEO Scott Sheffield said in a statement. "In addition, we continue to further strengthen our commitments as illustrated by our recent joining of the OGMP 2.0 initiative, which strives to reduce methane emissions and increase reporting transparency.”