Page 15 - NorthAmOil Week 35

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Range, Williams unveil net

zero emissions targets

US SHALE driller Range Resources has set itself “best-in-class” emissions reductions practices
a target of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) and develop improved methods of measuring
emissions by 2025. The company follows in its emissions.
the footsteps of several – primarily European On the same day that Range unveiled its
– international oil companies (IOCs) who have target, US pipeline operator Williams also
also unveiled net zero targets over the past year. announced a net zero goal – but one that it is only
Many of these targets are longer-term, however, aiming to achieve by 2050. Prior to this, Williams
with net zero the goal for 2030 or beyond. Range is aiming for a 56% absolute reduction in com-
is one of the first pure play shale producers to pany-wide GHG emissions from 2005 levels by
adopt such a target. 2030.
The company said in an August 26 state- “By setting a near-term goal for 2030, the
ment that it would meet its 2025 target through company plans to leverage its natural gas-fo-
“continued emissions reductions and the use cused strategy and technology that is available Range is aiming
of carbon offsets associated with reforestation today to focus on immediate opportunities to
and forest management”. In addition, Range is reduce emissions, scale renewables and build a to reduce its
aiming to reduce its GHG emissions intensity clean energy economy – while looking forward
further, by 15% relative to 2019 levels by 2025. and anticipating future innovations and technol- GHG emissions
This will mark the latest step forward for ogies,” Williams said in a statement.
a company that has already been cutting its The company’s strategy for hitting its target intensity further,
emissions – Range says it has reduced its abso- includes pursuing “common sense” emissions by 15% relative
lute emissions by 47% compared to 2017. The reduction opportunities through leak detec-
producer noted that according to data from tion and repair, evaluating equipment upgrades to 2019 levels by
consultancy Rystad Energy, it is already ranked on a site-specific basis and work practice
the lowest for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions improvements. 2025.
intensity among a group of 58 global oil and gas In the shorter term, Williams is also plan-
producers. A chart provided by Range along ning to explore renewable energy opportuni-
with its statement did not reveal the names of ties, including renewable natural gas (RNG)
the other companies it is ranked against, but and solar power generation. It already partners
illustrated that the list comprised a mix of IOCs, with companies in Washington, Idaho, Ohio and
shale players and diversified firms. Texas on RNG projects.
The company, which is focused on drilling for In the longer term, Williams said its net
shale gas in the Appalachian Basin, said it con- zero strategy included preparing for future
tinues to invest in new technologies and engi- breakthrough technologies in carbon capture
neering solutions aimed at lowering emissions. and storage (CCS), synthetic gas and the use of
It added that it also continues to implement hydrogen as a fuel source.™

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