Lowering Our Carbon Footprint
Overview
As the largest natural gas processor in the United States, MPLX facilitates over 390 million tonnes of CO₂e reductions per year from coal to gas switching. We are equally focused on reductions throughout our own operations. From lowering the methane intensity of our operations to improving our energy efficiency, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
Focus on Methane Program
Our Focus on Methane program is a holistic approach to voluntarily reducing methane emissions along all aspects of our gathering and processing operations.
Focus Areas for Methane Reduction
Innovative Launchers and Receivers
We redesigned pipeline launcher and receiver stations to reduce methane and volatile organic compound emissions by as much as 85% each time they are opened as part of required operation.
Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)
We adopted an enhanced LDAR program at our gas processing and fractionation plants to reduce fugitive methane emissions intensity.
Eliminating Pneumatic Controllers
We are phasing out high-bleed pneumatic controllers at our compressor stations.
Reciprocating Compressors
We are installing low-emissions (low-e) packing material and measurement ports on reciprocating compressors. Rod packing replacements will occur proactively when warranted.
Maintenance Venting and Other Controls
We are optimizing maintenance venting to reduce emissions going to the atmosphere, including using Vapor Recovery Units (VRUs) and portable flares. Additionally, newly constructed systems are designed with lower potential for methane emissions.
Advancing Measurement and Quantification Technology
We are analyzing data from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) testing and employing advanced monitoring technologies, such as satellite imagery, flyovers and drones, to identify leaks and inform emissions calculations.
Flaring Improvements
We are implementing process improvements to reduce flaring and achieve enhanced control efficiency.
Focus on Energy Program
Our Focus on Energy program is our hopstic approach to improving energy efficiency in our operations while continuing to drive energy improvements.
To build upon the success of our refinery-specific Focus on Energy program, we expanded our energy efficiency efforts to include various MPLX facilities.
The ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry is a national call to action to improve the energy efficiency of America’s manufacturers by 10% or more.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Smart-Start Vapor Recovery
Our terminals utilize vapor recovery units to recover vapors from trucks as they are loaded with fuel. Continuous emission monitors equipped with smart start processing equipment allow the VRUs to operate only while loading, saving power and decreasing emissions.
Variable Frequency Drives
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) are electrical devices that can be installed to control the speed of the motors powering pumps at our terminals. By controlling the speed of the pump to deliver just the right flow rate at the desired pressure, there is less energy wasted through the system. We have partnered with an energy consultant to develop a tool that will calculate and identify energy savings based on historical pump and motor data. Results will be used to determine where to best deploy the VFD technology.
Marine Fuel Optimization
Our marine organization utipzes a fuel optimization program that requires captains to continuously monitor speed and acceleration. The program has been a huge success, reducing fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions.