US companies to study emissions from fracking operations
Two US energy companies announced their intention July 12 to look at ways to reduce carbon emissions from various upstream operations associated with hydraulic fracturing.
Seneca Resources, the upstream arm of the National Fuels Gas Company, said it had plans to work together with NexTier Oilfield Solutions on a study that examines the carbon emissions from some of the equipment used in the process of fracking oil and natural gas wells.
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“Seneca is keenly focused on limiting our environmental impact, including looking for ways to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated by our operations,” said Seneca president Justin Loweth. “The testing to be performed over the coming months will provide comparative fact-based emissions data to support Seneca’s efforts to select equipment that best satisfies our commitment to long-term sustainable operations.
The study is expected to focus on industry practices, including those associated with gas- diesel -and electric-powered frac equipment.
The US government in June directed pipeline companies to outline their plans to reduce methane emissions from their systems by the end of the year.
Methane emissions are the second-greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions after carbon dioxide. Methane, however, has a much more harmful short-term impact due to a greater warming effect