GoM flaring and venting increased in 2022. Cause for concern?

May 2, 2023 by offshoreenergy

OWG=oil well gas; GWG=gas well gas; all volumes are in MMCF

Observations:

Of the 784 bcf produced, 9.6 bcf (1.2%) were either vented or flared (vs. 1.03% in 2021). With the exception of 2020 (1.3%), this is the highest % of gas flared/vented from 2015-2022.
The % of gas produced that is flared or vented is trending upward (first chart below).
Both the gas flaring and venting volumes were higher in 2022 (vs. 2021) despite lower gas production.
Assuming oil-well gas (OWG) production of 600 bcf (final 2022 volume not yet available), approximately 1.4% (8.6/600) of the OWG was flared or vented.
2022 OWG flaring volume increased by 18% vs. 2022 despite nearly identical total oil production
A very large increase in OWG flaring in December skewed the 2022 data (921 million cu ft vs 522 million in November, see 2nd chart below). OWG vented and gas-well gas (GWG) vented also spiked in December (third chart). Were these spikes associated with production startups, major compressor issues, administrative/accounting corrections, or other issues?
Although total venting increased by 407 million cu ft (21%) in 2023 vs. 2022, the overall venting trend is still favorable (last chart).
The previously noted inconsistencies in flaring data sets remain a concern.
Kudos to ONRR for posting the flaring/venting data.
More regulator/industry transparency on flaring episodes is needed, particularly in light of the PNAS paper and the June 2022 Inspector General Report.