Environment Report 2013

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2013

6.8 Offshore Fuel Gas Used and Flared Gas is taken from the production process to fuel various processes on offshore installations, including power generation, compression, pumping and water re-injection. In 2012, 3.48 million tonnes of gas was used for fuel. Flaring from offshore installations and terminals is an operating feature used to maintain process safety (that is the evacuation of excess gas) and for operation of production equipment. In 2012, 1.13 million tonnes of gas was flared.

Figure 11: Comparison of Offshore Fuel Gas Used and Flared on the UKCS

Flare Gas Fuel Gas

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

Tonnes

2,000,000

1,000,000

0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Source: EEMS August 2013

6.9 Waste Generated Offshore The amount of waste returned to shore for treatment and disposal peaked in 2002 at around 194,000 tonnes in total. Between 2004 and 2010, the amount of waste being brought onshore each year remained relatively stable at 130,000. However, wastes increased to 158,580 tonnes in 2011 and 189,060 tonnes in 2012 17 .

Figure 12: Waste Generated by Type

Cuttings

Special

General

Other

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000

Tonnes

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Source: EEMS August 2013

17 The waste categories are explained in the glossary on page 29

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