Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas during oil extraction, reached its highest level in nearly two decades in 2024, according to the World Bank. The practice wasted approximately $63 billion (£47 billion) in energy and emitted 389 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, including 46 million tonnes from unburnt methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Flaring volumes hit 151 billion cubic metres, up 3 billion cubic metres from 2023.
Despite global efforts to curb emissions, flaring intensity has remained largely unchanged over the past 15 years. “When more than a billion people still don’t have access to reliable energy… it’s very frustrating to see this natural resource wasted,” said Demetrios Papathanasiou, the World Bank’s Global Director for Energy and Extractives.
The top nine flaring countries account for 75% of global flaring but produce less than half of the world’s oil, highlighting a significant disparity in flaring practices. Countries committed to the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative have made notable progress, achieving an average 12% reduction in flaring intensity since 2012. In contrast, countries not part of the initiative have seen a 25% increase.
The World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership is supporting projects to curb flaring and methane emissions. In Uzbekistan, GFMR allocated $11 million (£8 million) to identify and repair methane leaks in the gas transportation network, reducing emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually, with potential cuts up to 100,000 tonnes each year.
“Governments and operators must make flaring reduction a priority, or this practice will persist,” said Zubin Bamji, GFMR Manager. “The solutions exist. With effective policies we can create favourable conditions that incentivise flaring reduction projects.”
As the world seeks to enhance energy security and reduce emissions, the World Bank urges stronger policies and investments to turn wasted gas into a valuable energy resource. The persistent rise in flaring underscores the need for more stringent regulations and innovative solutions to address this environmental and economic challenge. The disparity between countries committed to the Zero Routine Flaring initiative and those not highlights the importance of global cooperation and consistent policy implementation. The success of projects like those in Uzbekistan demonstrates the potential for significant emissions reductions through targeted investments and technological interventions. Moving forward, the sector must prioritise flaring reduction to align with global climate goals and energy security objectives.