ZRF: The Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative

GORDON FELLER, Contributing Editor 

Fig. 1. Kazakhstan has made good progress in reducing gas flaring through a combination of regulatory enforcement and voluntary commitments, with state firm KazMunayGas (KMG) reducing its flaring volume 89%, during the 2017-2023 period. Image: KMG.

At the time it was first launched, the World Bank’s “Zero Routine Flaring by 2030” initiative (ZRF) had caused excitement inside some corporate boardrooms and national government ministries. Its sole aim is to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030. Routine flaring is the practice of burning off associated gas during oil extraction, contributing to climate change through emissions of CO₂ and methane. The initiative encourages governments and oil companies to commit to ending this practice and to report their progress annually. As of 2025, endorsers account for approximately 60% of total global gas flaring.  

ZRF has led to significant reductions in gas flaring in several countries. Numerous discrete projects are now underway within ZRF. This article describes four noteworthy ones. 

KAZAKHSTAN’S NATIONAL FLARING REDUCTION PROGRAM 

Kazakhstan has made significant strides in reducing gas flaring through a combination of regulatory enforcement and voluntary commitments, Fig. 1. KazMunayGas (KMG), the state-owned oil company, joined the ZRF Initiative in 2015. The firm has since reduced its flaring volume 89%, from 316 MMcm in 2017 to 35 MMcm in 2023. This reduction was achieved through investments in gas utilization infrastructure and improved operational practices. In 2024, KMG faced fines totaling approximately $21 million for unauthorized gas flaring during a major well blowout. This underscores the government's commitment to stringent enforcement of flaring regulations.  

OMAN’S GAS REUSE AND RE-INJECTION INITIATIVES 

Fig. 2. Oman’s state-owned operator, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), has endorsed the ZRF Initiative since 2017. Accordingly, PDO is implementing methods, such as reusing gas to generate electricity and re-injecting it into oil reservoirs to enhance oil recovery. Image: PDO.

Oman, through its state-owned operator, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), has endorsed the ZRF Initiative since 2017. The country is implementing innovative methods, such as reusing gas to generate electricity and re-injecting it into oil reservoirs to enhance oil recovery, Fig. 2. These measures aim to reduce emissions and promote a cleaner environment. PDO is also developing flaring and venting guidelines and has implemented projects to reduce flaring, aligning with Oman's broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.  

TOTALENERGIES’ CLOSED FLARE RETROFIT PROJECTS  

TotalEnergies is undertaking a series of closed flare retrofit projects to minimize methane emissions associated with flaring. These closed flares are designed to operate without a pilot flame, reducing methane emissions 80% over ten years. The company has already implemented closed flares on platforms and FPSOs in Nigeria, Angola and Congo and plans to equip all new facilities with closed flares, Fig. 3. Additionally, TotalEnergies is retrofitting additional existing platforms, with 12 closed flare retrofit projects under study, four of which have passed the investment decision stage.  

Fig. 3. TotalEnergies has implemented closed flares on platforms and offshore several African countries and plans to equip all new facilities with closed flares. Image: TotalEnergies.

OMV PETROM’S GAS UTILIZATION PROJECTS IN ROMANIA AND TUNISIA 

OMV Petrom is implementing gas utilization projects in Romania and Tunisia as part of the ZRF initiative, Fig. 4. In Romania, the company aims to achieve self-sufficiency in electricity generation for its onshore upstream activities by utilizing associated gas, leading to cost savings and reduced CO₂ emissions. In Tunisia, a three-phase project is underway to compress and transport gas to the market, install vapor recovery units, and construct a gas pipeline, collectively saving around 120,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.  

LOOKING FORWARD 

ZRF’s path forward will be a bumpy one, especially in light of the quiet (and sometimes sub-rosa) backtracking underway within both the corporate and government organizations that had once declared their strong commitments.  

Fig. 4. Neptun Deep is the largest natural gas project and the first deep offshore project in Romania. Wells are being drilled and reserves developed, with the gas being utilized to generate electricity and make a significant contribution to Romania’s economic development. Image: OMV Petrom.

One challenge is that the lack of infrastructure and markets for captured gas in remote oil fields makes it economically unfeasible for companies to invest in gas utilization technologies. Building such infrastructure requires substantial investment and coordination between governments, companies, and development organizations. 

A second challenge is the fact that accurate monitoring of gas flaring is hindered by the use of enclosed combustors, which conceal flames and evade satellite detection. This practice undermines the effectiveness of remote monitoring tools like the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite. 

A third challenge is the inconsistent enforcement of flaring regulations and the absence of binding commitments in some regions lead to continued routine flaring. For example, in 2024, KMG faced fines for unauthorized gas flaring during a well blowout, highlighting the need for stringent regulatory frameworks.  

To overcome these and other challenges, ZRF is now emphasizing three big undertakings: the importance of transparent reporting; the development of infrastructure for gas utilization; and the establishment of strong regulatory frameworks.  

One of the few things that everyone seems to agree on: Continued collaboration between governments, oil companies, and development organizations is essential to achieving the goal of zero routine flaring by 2030.