Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 40
40
Accepted
Paragraph: 218
The routine flaring of unwanted fossil gas must be banned outright, as it has been...
Recommendation
The routine flaring of unwanted fossil gas must be banned outright, as it has been by Norway since 1971. We recommend that the Government introduces an amendment to the Energy Bill to provide for a total prohibition on flaring from installations in the UK’s jurisdiction to be introduced not later than the end of 2025. This would help ensure the UK fulfils commitments it made at COP26 and COP27 under the Global Methane Pledge.
Government Response Summary
The government stated it already has ambitious plans to end routine flaring and venting, has signed up to The World Bank Zero Routine Flaring initiative, and the NSTA expects flaring and venting emissions to be at the lowest possible levels.
Paragraph Reference:
218
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government already has ambitious plans to end routine flaring and venting. As well as the challenging target we set of 2030 we have signed up to The World Bank Zero Routine Flaring initiative, which aims to eliminate routine flaring of gas globally. Under the initiative we have committed to make every effort to ensure that routine flaring from existing oil fields ends as soon as possible, and no later than 2030. The North Sea Transition Authority expects flaring and venting emissions to be at the lowest possible levels – with new developments approved on the basis of zero routine flaring and venting. We continue to work with industry and regulators to decarbonise oil and gas production – to deliver on the North Sea Transition Deal targets.