Committed to technology

We have a long term commitment to technology that is unmatched in our industry. We spend about US$600 million per year addressing fundamental research to discover and develop new technology as well as apply the best existing technology to current operations.

We employ about 20,000 scientists and engineers throughout our worldwide operations. With over 2,000 PhDs, our commitment to technology and science is very strong. We will continue to apply technology to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, reduce costs, improve products and develop new products and technologies. Please visit our GCEP project section for more information.

Our track record of industry firsts and breakthroughs is long, dating back to the first sulfur removal process in 1886. Technology development is managed with the same disciplined approach we bring to business investments and integrated with business opportunities. A significant portion of our research is aimed at developing next generation and breakthrough technology.

We are also committed to the rapid transfer of learnings to application.

In the last 20 years, ExxonMobil has been granted 9,400 patents and 1,240 are currently under consideration. We do not believe in technology for technology sake. Rather we seek to enhance our business value by applying our technology expertise to meet shareholder, consumer and public needs.

For example:

• Our ability to maximise recovery from existing wells extends the life of existing operations which helps to reduce our environmental footprint. In one mature producing area,we have identified more than 100 million barrels of new resources.
• Our SCANfining technology allows us to supply lower sulfur fuels with resulting environmental benefits. New techniques that focus on the molecular components in crude oil allow us to select crude oils that make higher valued products with less environmental impact.
• Our refining and chemical technologies allow us to find new ways to reduce our environmental footprint, make new products, and make existing products more efficiently. Read more about Mobil 1.
• Lubricant oil research is yielding product improvements at lower cost. Lubricants that last longer, do a better job, or meet a need enable our customers to improve the reliability and environmental performance of their operations. Our product research is helping to meet the need for more environmentally sustainable products.
• Research alliances exist with Caterpillar, Mercedes, Toyota, and General Motors to bring new fuels and lubricants for current needs as well as advanced engine systems such as hybrids and fuel cells.
• Our industry leading proprietary technology to make very environmentally friendly fuels and lubricant oils from natural gas is ready for commercialisation.

 ExxonMobil's leadership in technology is evident in the number of patents awarded to the company. During the past four years, ExxonMobil has received almost 4,000 patents in the United States and Europe, and we continue to be the industry-leading developer of a broad range of world-class technologies.