The Blueprint for Operational Excellence: How Permian Operators Drove a Historic 50% Methane Reduction

New analysis from S&P Global Commodity Insights, in partnership with Insight M, found that the methane intensity of oil and gas production in the Permian Basin declined by more than 50% between 2022 and 2024.

This milestone demonstrates an increasing commitment by operators across the Permian to mitigate methane emissions — and, most importantly, that their efforts are delivering measurable results. What is driving this operational excellence? Evidence-based strategies and a willingness to act on what works.

Better Scientific Understanding is Leading to More Pragmatic and Effective Solutions 

Permian operators have embraced a suite of pragmatic and scalable solutions, placing a premium on cost-effectiveness and impact. Frequent surveys of oil and gas assets using advanced detection technology have enabled companies to swiftly pinpoint and address the emissions that matter most — medium-to-large emissions 10 kg/​hr and above.

This approach is right in line with the latest scientific understanding of how the majority of methane is emitted. Two recent landmark studies confirm that the vast majority of methane emissions originate from a small number of these larger emissions. A recent 2025 Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) study analyzed nearly 1,900 site-level emissions measurements, finding that sources emitting more than 10 kg/​hr account for approximately 70% of all methane released from oil and gas operations. Similarly, a 2024 Stanford University study, based on nearly a million measurements, determined that medium-to-large emissions represent about 80% of total basin emissions.

Operators are achieving this level of operational excellence by focusing on quickly finding and repairing these high-impact emissions — delivering outsized emissions reductions efficiently. This targeted, airborne detection method keeps most gas in the pipe without relying on exhaustive, granular inspections. This allows operators to deploy crews in a more targeted way, which reduces their time spent in the field and increases safety overall.

An Effective and Affordable Option for Operators Large and Small

What sets this methane mitigation model apart is not just its effectiveness, but its practicality. Operators are learning that frequent aerial surveys are the most efficient way to scan their assets, and that they can be scaled up quickly and affordably, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional approaches. In other words, impactful methane management is not just for the largest players or the biggest budgets. As more operators employ these approaches, costs have dropped, making the practice accessible across the industry.

The economic benefits are also clear. Rapid leak detection typically comes with a swift payback period — thanks to the immediate additional product that flows to market once leaks are repaired. This economic incentive has spurred broader adoption; were the effort not affordable and effective, results on this scale simply wouldn’t materialize.

Looking Forward: Collaboration and Coalition-Building

Operators across the country now recognize an emerging opportunity: collaborating across organizational boundaries to form strategic coalitions with their neighbors. By sharing detection resources and coordinating survey schedules, companies can drive costs even lower and maximize survey frequency, all while deepening their collective impact on methane reduction.

A Proven Path, A Clear Opportunity

The Permian Basin’s methane success story shows that targeted, collaborative emissions management is not just achievable — it’s happening at scale, right now. Operators that embrace these proven tactics stand to benefit operationally, economically, and reputationally.

For operators seeking to begin or accelerate their methane management journey, Insight M remains at the forefront, providing the data, strategies, and scalable solutions that have delivered these industry-leading results. Companies looking to refine their own emissions programs are encouraged to connect with our team to learn how this blueprint for operational excellence is changing the landscape of energy production — not just in the Permian, but nationwide.