Document Type

Report

Publication Date

6-2025

Abstract

Gas flaring is a major global challenge. Despite bold commitments from governments, national oil companies (NOCs), international oil companies (IOCs), and leading independents, global flaring levels have stagnated at around 140–150 BCM per year, emitting up to 1 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases annually, while representing as much as $30 billion per year in potential lost revenue.

Numerous studies have outlined how flared gas can be captured and monetized – through power generation, fertilizers, petrochemicals, LNG and pipeline exports, among other use cases. Substantial reductions in flaring are not only technically achievable but can often create significant commercial value with attractive returns. Compared with other levers, reducing gas flaring is a material decarbonization “quick win.”

This report, co-authored with Capterio and generously supported by the Grantham Foundation, illustrates the potential to reduce flaring with six case studies, going beyond analyzing the “what” and “why” of flaring, and focusing on the “how” to unlock and accelerate delivery. Three project-based case studies present projects that have successfully captured and utilized associated gas in countries and regions that are not among the global leaders in flare reduction (Angola, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and Argentina - links coming soon). Three country-based case studies (Federal Iraq, Egypt, and Algeria - links coming soon) highlight not only where modest progress in flare reduction has been observed, but also where opportunities to do more can and should be developed.

Disciplines

Environmental Law | International Law | Law

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