Brazil Natural Gas Flaring and Its Regulatory Regime

Abstract

Gas flaring is the controlled burning of natural gas that cannot be processed for sale or use because of technical or economic reasons. This operation is directly associated with CO2 emission and waste of energy source. As the reduction of CO2 footprint became a matter of great concern in the world, Government of diverse countries has created different strategies to mitigate the issue. For this reason, authorities use Legislation as the main tool to limit the volume of gas flaring. In Brazil, National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) is the regulatory body responsible for regulate the natural gas flaring and venting. The instrument used is the PORTARIA ANP N° 249, published on November 1st, 2000. However, the Brazilian industry has dramatically changed after the producing starting of pre-salt fields, pointing out the necessity of the ordinance revision. After analyzing the gas flaring data from FPSOs before the gas injection start, it is suggested the adoption some guidelines for gas commissioning phase for offshore units. It is also highlighted the effectiveness of CO2 taxation in Norway as well as the possibility of zero routine flare technology implementation. Finally, to achieve lower gas flaring numbers is essentially the development of politics to make economically feasible the use of all waste gas to produce energy.