Recently, global climate change and air quality have become increasingly important environmental concerns. Consequently, there has been a rise in collaborative international efforts to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), occurring naturally and as the result of human activity. 

In addition, criteria pollutants (1970 amendments to the Clean Air Act required EPA to set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for certain pollutants known to be hazardous to human health) include emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and total unburned hydrocarbons. International and national governments are implementing more regulations on air emissions. Drilling contractors and operators in all phases of O&G production can play an important role in environmental stewardship. This is accomplished by reporting carbon emissions from O&G operations, eliminating redundant emission, performing measurements, and leading the industry in efforts to reduce the release of these chemicals.

Looking at Norway for instance, as a country that Oil and Gas is playing a crucial role in the economy and growth plans of the country, Oil and gas installations on the Norwegian continental shelf emit roughly 14 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents annually. A noticeable amount of the mentioned CO2 emission is related to drilling operations, mainly rig sites.

Assuming that diesel generators are the main power supplier of conventional onshore/ offshore drilling rigs to power the system, drilling a 3000-metre deep well would generate over 170 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Such drilling operations will need roughly diesel-fuel consumption of approximately 530 tonnes.