Jul 18, 2025
Global gas flaring reaches a twenty-year peak.
Gas flaring reached its highest point in nearly 20 years in 2024, wasting about $63 billion and emitting 389 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, as reported by the World Bank. This figure includes 46 million tonnes of unburnt methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Flaring, the burning of natural gas during oil extraction, amounted to 151 billion cubic metres last year, a rise of 3 bcm from 2023. Despite global efforts to lower emissions, flaring intensity has not changed much in the past 15 years.
Demetrios Papathanasiou, the World Bank’s Global Director for Energy and Extractives, expressed frustration at the waste of this natural resource when over a billion people lack reliable energy. The top nine flaring nations account for 75% of global flaring while producing less than half of the world’s oil, revealing a significant imbalance in practices. Countries participating in the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative have seen an average 12% reduction in flaring intensity since 2012, whereas those not involved have experienced a 25% increase. The World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership supports projects aimed at reducing flaring and methane emissions.
In Uzbekistan, $11 million has been allocated to find and fix methane leaks in the gas transportation system, cutting emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually, with potential reductions of up to 100,000 tonnes each year. Zubin Bamji, GFMR Manager, emphasized that governments and operators must prioritize flaring reduction to prevent its continuation, stating that effective policies can enable successful flaring reduction projects. As the world aims to improve energy security and lower emissions, the World Bank calls for stronger policies and investments to transform wasted gas into a valuable energy source.
Demetrios Papathanasiou, the World Bank’s Global Director for Energy and Extractives, expressed frustration at the waste of this natural resource when over a billion people lack reliable energy. The top nine flaring nations account for 75% of global flaring while producing less than half of the world’s oil, revealing a significant imbalance in practices. Countries participating in the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative have seen an average 12% reduction in flaring intensity since 2012, whereas those not involved have experienced a 25% increase. The World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership supports projects aimed at reducing flaring and methane emissions.
In Uzbekistan, $11 million has been allocated to find and fix methane leaks in the gas transportation system, cutting emissions by 9,000 tonnes annually, with potential reductions of up to 100,000 tonnes each year. Zubin Bamji, GFMR Manager, emphasized that governments and operators must prioritize flaring reduction to prevent its continuation, stating that effective policies can enable successful flaring reduction projects. As the world aims to improve energy security and lower emissions, the World Bank calls for stronger policies and investments to transform wasted gas into a valuable energy source.