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The flares at ExxonMobil Fawley explained
At ExxonMobil Fawley our flares are an essential part of our site operations and production process, in addition to being a vital and integral safety feature.
We understand that you may have questions about our flares, the information and video below, provides answers to some of the most common questions.
We understand that you may have questions about our flares, the information and video below, provides answers to some of the most common questions.
Article
video
Join Carl, Site Shift Manager and Charlotte, Energy Coordinator in explaining the use of our flares.
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Operational use
Primarily, our flares are used for planned operational purposes, to prepare site equipment and to ensure units are hydrocarbon free prior to mechanical work
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Ultimate safety mechanism
Our flares are Fawley's ultimate safety mechanism, operating quickly and safely to manage operational upsets when we need to release pressure and hydrocarbons from our units
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Safe and approved
The use of our flares is completely safe and approved and poses no risk to our neighbouring communities
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Regulating emissions
Our flaring emissions, including noise, are strictly regulated and monitored by the Environment Agency with flaring rates reported on a monthly basis
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Controlled on-site
Our operational control team constantly monitor the flares when they are in use. The teams focus on minimising the duration and the size of the flare, with each planned use subject to internal approval
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Minimising use
We continue to pursue technical performance, process improvements and new technology to further reduce the use of our flares
Behavioural changes driving reduction in flaring
We are proud of the innovative behavioural changes we have made to how we operate and the specific targeting of reduction in flaring that has positively influenced a return to historic norms.
Our level of flaring in 2022 was the lowest since 2014, and less than half the amount recorded in 2021 and 2020.
Furthermore, our flaring rate last year was the second lowest level recorded in the previous nine years.
In line with our sustainable environmental performance we have made a conscious effort to minimise potential sources of flaring. The data shows we have made progress and we will always strive to limit flaring events.
Although our flares will always be a critical safety measure, we will continue to rigorously pursue technical performance, process improvements and new technology to further decrease the use of our flares.
Total site flaring
2017 - 2022