Libya’s state National Oil Corporation (NOC) reported yesterday that, in collaboration with its subsidiaries and in coordination with its specialized committees and company liaisons, it had achieved a significant milestone in reducing flaring by over 100 million cubic feet per day by implementing a package of strategic projects aimed at reducing gas flaring and maximizing its utilization.
These efforts resulted in the implementation of five vital projects across various oil companies, most notably three strategic projects at Sirte Oil Company for Production and Manufacturing of Oil and Gas.
The first project
The first project involved pumping condensate from the Hatiba field into a 16-inch condensate pipeline. Previously, the condensate was produced and stored in a 30-inch low-pressure pipeline, which resulted in large quantities of condensate refracting into its gaseous state within the pipeline and subsequently being flared.
The second project
The second project enabled the diversion and pumping of approximately 60 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMcf/d), comprising 38 MMcf/d from the Lahib field and 22 MMcf/d from the Raqouba field to the main 30-inch pipeline supplying the coastal gas network. This was achieved through technical modifications that allowed for the transfer of these quantities instead of flaring them.
The third project
The third project involved the rehabilitation of a long-inoperative gas separation system at the Lahib field. This system contributed to the separation of approximately 12 MMcf/d of gas at high pressure, which is then used in gas lift operations within the field.
The fourth project
The fourth project, implemented by Al-Sarir Oil Operations Company, involved successful technical modifications to the Gas Processing Plant (GUP) and the commissioning of a gas compressor in Contract Area 91, near the Ajkhara area. This enabled the processing of approximately 25 MMcf/d of gas, in addition to the production of 1,800 barrels of condensate per day.
The fifth project
In the same vein, Al-Waha Oil Company implemented its fifth project, successfully reducing gas flaring by approximately 20 million cubic feet per day at the North Al-Dafah field through maintenance and commissioning work on the field’s gas compressor.
Flared gases used to generate electricity and produce petrochemicals
With these, the NOC said it had succeeded in reducing natural gas flaring by nearly 100 million cubic feet per day by 2025. These gases will be utilized to supply the coastal network that feeds power plants and petrochemical facilities, thereby increasing operational efficiency and maximizing the utilization of national resources.
Mitigating the negative environmental effects of oil activities
Furthermore, the NOC explained, these projects have contributed to reducing gas emissions resulting from flaring operations, positively impacting environmental protection and mitigating the negative environmental effects of oil activities.
A balance between economic returns and environmental responsibility
This, the NOC said, underscores its commitment to implementing global best practices in sustainability and clean energy, and achieving a balance between economic returns and environmental responsibility.
To reduce gas flaring by 120 million cubic feet by 2026, and a 60% reduction by 2030
The NOC said it is continuing its efforts to achieve further milestones, aiming to reduce gas flaring by approximately 120 million cubic feet per day by 2026, and to reach a 60% reduction in flaring by the end of 2030. This is part of a clear action plan aligned with the goals of the 2030 initiative, which includes specific timelines for implementing additional projects, expanding the scope of environmental projects, and investing in innovative technologies to reduce gas losses and improve resource utilization efficiency.
Libya joining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2021
The NOC said it is worth noting that these achievements reflect the NOC’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection, promoting sustainability principles, and improving energy efficiency. This, it added, underscores Libya’s historic step of joining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2021, a clear declaration of the country’s readiness to actively participate in international efforts to combat climate change.
