Tackling Carbon Emissions in 2022
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There's no doubt climate change is the biggest challenge for humanity in the 21st century. Experts reveal one of the greatest drivers of climate change is carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes. Recent research shows global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels and industry have risen extensively since 2000, hitting a high of 36.7 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2019. Cutting the rate of carbon and other climate pollutants is the key to slowing the rate of global warming, as outlined in the Paris Agreement target.
Ways for the Oil and Gas Industry to Reduce Carbon Emissions Globally
Experts reveal for the oil and gas industry to play its role in mitigating climate change to an expected level, it must reduce its emissions by a minimum of
3.4 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) a year by 2050. The following are some ways oil and gas players can reduce their carbon emissions.
Digitizing Workstreams and Processes
Predictive maintenance routines can help improve intermittent flaring up and reduce leaks during production and refinery processes. Oil and gas companies can leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in predictive maintenance to gather real-time data from thermography to electrical connections of equipment and forecast impending issues and failures. Smart devices that leverage sensor technology help industries in hazardous environments detect and monitor carbon emissions, increase efficiency, and enhance the safety of the work environment.
Tapping Into Natural Carbon Sinks
Another great option to offset carbon emissions is by leveraging carbon sinks, such as oceans, forests, and soil, to remove greenhouse gases and reduce their concentration from the atmosphere. Studies reveal plants and trees withdraw and isolate up to
2.6 billion tons of CO2 a year. Some oil and gas companies are already implementing tree planting programs in various parts of the world. Recently, Italian energy giant ENI revealed plans to plant
20 million acres of trees in Africa to serve as a carbon sink.
Using Renewable Energy
Some oil and gas companies are changing their power sources by turning to on-site, renewable power generation to provide an environmentally cost-effective alternative to diesel fuel. Replacing generators with solar photovoltaic, or PV technology, will not only reduce emissions, but it'll also reduce energy costs. Companies can connect their onshore and nearshore rigs and machines to a solar-powered central grid for a clean source of energy that goes a long way in reducing carbon footprint.
Reducing Fugitive Emissions
Reducing fugitive emissions and flaring could help achieve a
1.5 GtCO2e in annual abatement by 2050. Oil and gas companies can also cut carbon dioxide emissions by improving leak detection and repair with the help of the best available monitoring technology, like the tech offered by Aegex.
Aegex provides certified and intrinsically safe devices that help detect emissions and sources of leaks, so employees can take care of repairs promptly.
Aegex tools, such as the
NexVu, enable users to deploy fugitive emission monitoring systems in under an hour to detect anomalies in operations in real time. It's a tailored industrial device for hazardous zones that helps provide accurate carbon emission measurements for effective monitoring and decision-making.
Ways for Average Citizens to Reduce Carbon Footprint
It's not only companies in the oil and gas industry that should take steps to reduce carbon footprint. We can all play a critical role in tackling carbon emissions in 2022 through the following ways:
- Switching to renewable energy through utilities
- Minimizing driving by walking, biking, carpooling, and using public transit more
- Purchasing and using energy-efficient equipment and appliances
- Reducing energy use by sealing heating and cooling ducts and keeping up on regular equipment maintenance
- Reducing, reusing, and recycling waste
Aegex Provides Efficient Solutions to Reduce Carbon Emissions
As the world rushes in its race to combat climate change and achieve the goals of the
2021 Glasgow Climate Change Conference, IoT technology is emerging as a vital resource in digitizing workflows to aid in the war against carbon emissions. By leveraging IoT and AI in their operations, oil and gas companies can effectively detect fugitive emissions in remote locations and carry out predictive maintenance that reduces leaks while improving the safety of the work environment.
Aegex provides certified intrinsically safe
smart devices equipped with IoT technology designed to help oil and gas companies in the fight against carbon emissions and climate change. Aegex tools, such as
NexVu, offer real-time communication and data about operations in precarious environments to enable managers to make intelligent and data-driven decisions on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing safety.
Contact us today to learn more.
