Flaring natural gas occurs all around the world during well testing, emergency, maintenance, and when the gas is a by-product. 5% of world's gas supply is flared and vented, meaning a range of 110-140 bcm, equivalent to Central-South America consumption. Flaring also produces anestimated 66% of the black carbon emissions in the Arctic. Flaring gas is a waste of valuablenatural resources that could be used to generate energy for communities around the world.
However, there is now growing concern about flaring. It has risen up the agenda in the industry due to initiatives like the World Bank Zero flaring program and COP 21 focused great attention on CO2 abatement. Gas has a strong future to support a greener energy mix globally but the potential is even greater through the ability to reduce methane and CO2 emissions.
A number of case studies will be discussed to illustrate cost effective solutions to create value from flared gas. This include transport alternatives to gas pipeline such as Adsorbed Natural Gas, CNG, Natural Gas Hydrates or Reusable Pipes. Secondly, when gas price is not attractive, we can convert it into products with higher value. Examples include gas-to-liquid, Ammonia, Methanol, Ethylene; all the above presenting different grades of novelty, or economic feasibility. Lastly, if there is no market within a reasonable range, the market can be brought closer to the source of flaring. Some examples presented will include the utilization for Desalinization plants, power generation (gas-to-wire), conversion to electricity for storage.
The assessments considered a range of aspects to achieve sustainable solutions, including Technical feasibility; HSSE reliability and risks; Economic Feasibility, Market Demand. By looking at a combination of elements, we focus the viability of different solutions in different situations.
DNV GL is a leading technical adviser to the oil and gas industry, investing around 5% of its annual revenue in innovation, research and development. DNV GL, every year, selects a small number of research projects called "Extraordinary Innovation Projects" (EIP) focused on key challenges for the oil and gas industry.
