Global Gas Flaring Emissions Surge in 2024
Gas flaring emissions reached critical levels in 2024. The World Bank’s latest report revealed that 389 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) were emitted globally from gas flaring. This marked an increase of 9 MtCO₂e compared to 2023. Unburnt methane contributed 46 MtCO₂e to this total. The volume of gas flared hit 151 billion cubic metres (bcm), the highest since 2007. Nigeria’s flaring rose sharply by 12 per cent, the second-largest increase worldwide. These figures show the urgent need for stronger flaring reduction measures.
About Gas Flaring
Gas flaring is the burning of natural gas released during oil extraction. It is a common practice to dispose of gas that cannot be processed or sold. Flaring emits carbon dioxide and methane, potent greenhouse gases. Methane is especially damaging due to its high global warming potential. The gas wasted through flaring in 2024 almost matched Africa’s entire annual gas consumption of 162 bcm.
Global Trends and Key Countries
The top nine gas-flaring nations accounted for 76 per cent of global flaring in 2024, up from 65 per cent in 2012. These countries include Russia, Iran, Iraq, the United States, Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, Mexico and Nigeria. Iran, Nigeria, the United States, Iraq and Russia showed the largest increases in flaring volume. Together, they added 4.6 bcm of gas flaring in 2024. Nigeria’s 12 per cent rise was notable, with flaring intensity growing by 8 per cent despite only a 3 per cent increase in oil production.
Nigeria’s Flaring Challenge
In Nigeria, 60 per cent of flaring occurred at facilities run by the national oil company and smaller firms. These operators often face limited expertise and funding for gas utilisation projects. This contributed to 75 per cent of the increase in flaring volume. The rise marks the second consecutive year of growing flare levels in the country, signalling systemic issues in gas management.
Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative
The Zero Routine Flaring (ZRF) Initiative, launched by the World Bank and the United Nations in 2015, aims to end routine flaring by 2030. Countries with lower flaring volumes such as Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia and Kazakhstan have made progress. Algeria and Libya saw reductions in 2024, with Libya’s drop linked to political instability and oil field shutdowns. However, the overall global increase in 2024 stresses the need for urgent action.
Urgency for Action
With just five years left to meet the ZRF target, annual flaring reductions must average nearly 40 per cent. The report calls on governments and oil operators to accelerate efforts to end routine flaring. Reducing methane emissions is critical to lowering the climate impact of oil and gas production. The Global Gas Flaring Tracker remains a vital tool to monitor progress and guide policies.
| Related | |
|---|---|
