New report - Opportunities for Reducing Black Carbon Emissions from Gas Flaring in the Arctic
Flaring associated gas, an undesirable practice for disposing of unwanted hydrocarbon gases which occur as a result of oil production, is an important source of black carbon emissions in the Arctic. This practice is particularly important to address in the Arctic, where it has a powerful effect on the climate. A new report now highlights Best Available Techniques to reduce BC emissions from flaring, with an emphasis on those economically achievable. The report, created by Carbon Limits of Oslo, Norway, was produced as part of the EU-funded project on Black Carbon in the Arctic, an initiative aimed at enhancing international cooperation on black carbon policy in the Arctic region and promoting commitments for reducing emissions. The report describes available black carbon abatement measures, with a focus on Best Available Techniques Economically Achievable (BATEA) and includes measures that could be relevant towards existing and future projects in the Arctic.
This report provides an updated and relevant overview of proven options available to industry or policy makers, several of which could be economically beneficial in given circumstances. One important strategy is to use the gas that would otherwise be burned as an on-site energy source for heating requirements or electricity. Another option is to recover gas with available techniques that could potentially make it feasible to temporarily store for as a recoverable energy source at a later date. Intended users of this overview include oil and gas field operators and owners, investors, and other decision-makers that could influence and/or benefit from the implementation of the suggested technologies and practices. This document could also assist national administrators contemplating enhanced environmental legislation regarding reductions in black carbon emissions from flaring, as well as other stakeholders involved in, or affected by, oil and gas operations in the Arctic.
The report is available here .
