Environment Report 2015

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2015

Figure 14 shows that the largest sources of VOC emissions in 2014 were gas flaring and venting (less than 66 per cent) and loading (29 per cent). A small amount of VOCs was also released due to fuel consumption. The decrease in VOCs seen in Figure 13 since 2000 is linked to declining production. The introduction of emissions reduction measures during loading, such as VOC recovery units, may also have been influential. The majority of CH 4 emissions are generated from venting and flaring.

Figure 14: Offshore Emissions Sources of Methane and Volatile Organic Compounds in 2014

Emissions Source Fuel Consumption

CH

VOC

4

7% 4%

3% 3%

Fugitives

Gas Flaring Gas Venting Oil Loading

33% 54% >1%

<36%

30% 29%

Figure 15 highlights that 1.2 million tonnes of gas were flared on the UKCS last year, a four per cent reduction on 2013. The decline in flaring activity may be related to the overall decline in production.

Figure 15: Comparison of Offshore Fuel Gas Used and Gas Flared

6

5

Flare Gas Fuel Gas

4

3

2

1

0

Offshore Fuel Gas Used and Gas Flared (Million Tonnes)

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Source: EEMS June 2015

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