Comprehensive Investigation for Gas Flaring Recovery as a Potential Pathway for Oil and Gas Decarbonization

Abstract The worldwide movement to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drive decarbonization as a strategy to reach net-zero objectives is swiftly accelerating. It is broadly recognized as a key force influencing contemporary energy policies. While many nations have made significant environmental promises, the essential next phase involves converting these promises into concrete decarbonization initiatives with allocated financing. Methane emissions within the oil and gas industry typically originate from three main sources: leaks (which occur unintentionally due to a defective seal or a leaking valve), venting (which happens when gas is deliberately released for safety or operational reasons), and flaring (which involves burning gas that cannot be utilized or recovered). The oil and gas sector faces significant pressure to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from non-emergency gas flaring and venting. The urgency arises because these activities emit large quantities of methane into the atmosphere, which significantly exacerbates climate change and presents a major environmental challenge to reaching net-zero targets. Methane is regarded as the second-largest contributor to global warming after CO2. Despite having a shorter atmospheric lifespan than CO2, methane has a much stronger greenhouse effect. It is estimated to account for around 30% of the global temperature rise.