Drones vs. Methane: A High-Tech Cleanup Begins

Chevron deploys AI drones to spot methane leaks, blending regulation with automation

25 Jul 2025

Chevron and other major oil producers are turning to artificial intelligence-powered drones to detect methane leaks, as operators seek to align with new US environmental regulations and improve site safety.

The shift is most evident in the Permian Basin, the country’s most prolific shale-producing region. There, drones equipped with thermal imaging and AI software now conduct routine inspections, identifying leaks in real time and transmitting alerts that allow faster repair.

Chevron has partnered with Percepto, an Israeli autonomous drone company, to deploy this technology across its operations. “We’re already seeing leading operators use our system to reduce emissions, optimize spending, and take control of their compliance programs,” said Dor Abuhasira, Percepto’s chief executive.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has introduced tougher rules on methane emissions, compelling energy companies to adopt more precise monitoring tools. By automating detection, firms can reduce reliance on manual inspections and generate consistent data, which may help in meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.

While current regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration limit how far drones can operate beyond visual line of sight, industry executives expect rules to evolve. Expanded allowances could make round-the-clock autonomous surveillance feasible across large oilfield networks.

Companies are also motivated by financial concerns. Methane is the main component of natural gas and its unintentional release represents both a climate hazard and a loss of revenue. AI-enabled systems offer a potential solution by improving accuracy and frequency of monitoring while lowering long-term costs.

Despite the technological promise, challenges remain. Many sites lack the connectivity or infrastructure to support full automation, and drone deployment requires training and permits. Still, producers say that adoption is accelerating, spurred by both policy pressure and investor scrutiny.

As more oil companies experiment with advanced aerial surveillance, the use of autonomous drones may soon become standard practice across the US upstream sector. “This is the answer,” said Abuhasira. “It’s already changing how operators manage emissions.”