ExxonMobil VR Tour | Comprehensive Methane Detection

CLIENT
ExxonMobil

OBJECTIVE
ExxonMobil needed an engaging and immersive experience to educate conference attendees on the cutting-edge methane detection
technologies ExxonMobil employs to monitor and reduce methane emissions at their operational sites, to create a deeper understanding of ExxonMobil’s efforts with environmental sustainability in the oil and gas industry.

APPROACH
Our team collaborated closely with ExxonMobil to identify key technologies to highlight, we then developed a comprehensive virtual reality tour that serves as a digital twin of one of hundreds out of ExxonMobil’s sites in the Permian Basin and allows users to interact with hot-spots packed with information focused on each of the different technologies Exxon is using to monitor their methane emissions.

The Problem

Methane is an incredibly potent greenhouse gas, significantly impacting global warming with over 80 times the warming power of CO₂ in its first 20 years in the atmosphere. As one of the largest contributors to methane emissions, the oil and gas industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint and implement sustainable practices.

Methane emissions are a critical issue for the oil and gas sector, contributing substantially to climate change due to methane’s high heat-trapping capacity. As production increases in key regions like the Permian Basin, so does the potential for methane leaks from infrastructure, which can occur at various stages from extraction to processing. These emissions often go unnoticed due to methane’s odorless and colorless nature, making detection challenging without advanced technology. The urgency to address this problem has grown as regulatory bodies, investors, and the public demand greater transparency and accountability in environmental practices to combat greenhouse gas emissions effectively.

ExxonMobil, committed to addressing climate change, sought innovative solutions to manage and minimize emissions across its operations. They needed a way to effectively communicate their proactive, multi-layered approach to methane detection and reduction to both industry stakeholders and the public.

ExxonMobil partnered with SHIIFT to create a VR tour that demonstrates their leading-edge technology for monitoring and mitigating methane emissions.

THE SOLUTION – Digital twin of EXXON oil and gas site (exxonmobil vr tour)

We developed a comprehensive virtual reality tour that serves as a digital twin of an ExxonMobil site in the Permian Basin. This VR tour experience includes interactive hotspots that provide detailed information about various methane detection technologies, empowering users to engage with the content actively. By replicating one of ExxonMobil’s sites as a digital twin, we enabled Exxon to showcase the real-world application of these technologies in an interactive, educational format that enhances transparency and public engagement in their environmental efforts.

This approach not only underscores their commitment to sustainability but also allows them to lead by example within the industry, setting a new standard for emissions management and environmental responsibility.

Our team collaborated closely with ExxonMobil to identify key technologies to highlight, such as SOOFIE ground sensors and optical gas imaging systems. We created a virtual environment replicating one of their operational sites, incorporating realistic 3D models and interactive elements. Each hotspot features a transparent video of ExxonMobil’s Chief Environmental Scientist, guiding users through the different detection methods and their applications.

The VR tour was optimized for both PCVR, using mouse-controlled admin functions for navigation, and a standalone version for the Oculus Quest, ensuring a seamless user experience across platforms. The interactive format increased engagement levels, allowing users to explore the technology at their own pace and revisit sections of interest.

Interesting and Unique Features 

1. Interactive hotspots with detailed information about methane detection technologies. 
2. Video walkthroughs within the immersive VR environment by ExxonMobil’s Chief Environmental Scientist, providing expert insights. 
3. Digital twin of an actual ExxonMobil site, offering a realistic representation of operational processes. 
4. Cross-platform compatibility with both PCVR and Oculus Quest platforms.