Why are we still flaring gas?

Capturing natural gas from oil wells seems like a no-brainer. Why do oil producers still flare it?

An episode of the Catalyst with Shayle Kann podcast, hosted by Latitude Media, titled "Why are we still flaring gas?" was published on August 29, 2024 and runs 31 minutes.

August 29, 2024 ·31m · Catalyst with Shayle Kann

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Summary

Oil producers waste a lot of natural gas. Last year they flared 150 billion cubic meters of associated gas into the atmosphere, equivalent to about half the global carbon emissions of aviation over a 30-year period. So why are oil producers burning a valuable commodity like gas? In this episode, Shayle talks to Tomás de Oliveira Bredariol, an energy and environmental policy analyst focused on methane at the IEA. So far, multiple major global initiatives haven’t made a dent in flare volumes, which have remained largely flat since 2010. Shayle and Tomás talk about the reasons why and the potential solutions, covering topics like: The nine countries responsible for about three quarters of flare volumes Why we don’t just build more pipelines Why oil wells may choose expensive diesel instead of powering their equipment with associated gas Converting gas into more valuable forms, like compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, or methanol The potential for regulation and financial incentives to push producers to cut flare volumes Recommended resources International Energy Agency: Curtailing Methane Emissions from Fossil Fuel Operations National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Stranded Natural Gas Roadmap World Bank: Global Gas Flaring Data Catalyst is brought to you by Anza Renewables, a data, technology, and services platform for solar and storage buyers. Anza’s real-time market intel equips buyers with the essential data they need to get the best deals. Download Anza’s free Q2 Module Pricing Insights Report at go.anzarenewables.com/latitude Catalyst is brought to you by Kraken, the advanced operating system for energy. Kraken is helping utilities offer excellent customer service and develop innovative products and tariffs through the connection and optimization of smart home energy assets. Already licensed by major players across the globe, including Origin Energy, E.ON, and EDF, Kraken can help you create a smarter, greener grid. Visit kraken.tech. Catalyst is brought to you by Antenna Group, the global leader in integrated marketing, public relations, creative, and public affairs for energy and climate brands. If you're a startup, investor, or enterprise that's trying to make a name for yourself, Antenna Group's team of industry insiders is ready to help tell your story and accelerate your growth engine. Learn more at antennagroup.com.