Flare gas: Gulf's growing reinvestment in cleaner, profitable recovery

While countries like Nigeria and Mexico continue to burn billions in wasted energy, worsening climate impacts, Gulf nations are capturing flare gas for domestic use and exports

- ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

IN the crucible of the global energy system, the burning of associated gas during oil extraction remains a glaring paradox, wasting a valuable fuel while contributing heavily to greenhouse emissions.

In 2025, the issue has become more urgent than ever as flaring volumes soared to levels unseen since 2007.

Yet some regions, notably the Arabian Gulf, are quietly adopting practices that could chart a greener path forward.

According to the report Global Gas Flaring in 2024, around 151 billion cu m of gas were flared globally in 2024, marking the highest annual volume since 2007, and releasing an estimated 389 million tonnes CO2-equivalent emissions, including significant unburnt methane.

The gas flared—almost equal to the annual consumption of the entire African continent—also represents a financial waste exceeding $60 billion if sold at EU market prices.

FLARE TRENDS ACROSS OIL-PRODUCING NATIONS

Nigeria remains among the countries with high flaring volumes. Flaring in the country rose 12 per cent in 2024 for the second consecutive year, driven largely by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and smaller indigenous firms that have taken over divested assets from international majors.

These operators are frequently undercapitalised or lack technical expertise for gas recovery and processing.

This results in gas being burned rather than used for power generation or industrial use, even as millions of Nigerians remain without reliable access to electricity.

According to data referenced in the Global Gas Flaring in 2024 report, NNPC-operated fields contributed over 60 per cent of the country’s total gas flaring, and 75 per cent of the increase observed last year.

Nigeria's flaring intensity (12.0 c m per barrel) was more than twice the global average, underlining a severe inefficiency in energy resource utilisation.