Global gas flaring has increased for the second consecutive year, resulting in approximately $63 billion worth of lost energy. This increase sets back global efforts to manage emissions and enhance energy security and access. In 2024, flaring reached 151 billion cubic meters (bcm), an increase of 3 bcm from the previous year, marking the highest level since 2007. This led to an estimated emission of 389 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, with 46 million tonnes stemming from unburnt methane.
While some countries have managed to reduce flaring, nine countries continue to account for three-quarters of all flaring activities but contribute less than half of global oil production. According to satellite data analyzed by the World Bank’s annual Global Gas Flaring Tracker, flaring intensity has remained high over the past fifteen years.
“When more than a billion people still don’t have access to reliable energy and numerous countries are seeking more sources of energy to meet higher demand, it’s very frustrating to see this natural resource wasted,” stated Demetrios Papathanasiou, World Bank Global Director for Energy and Extractives.
The report notes that nations committed to the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative have performed better than those not committed. Since 2012, these nations achieved a 12% reduction in flaring intensity on average, whereas non-committed countries experienced a 25% increase.
To advance progress in reducing flaring and methane emissions, the World Bank's Global Flaring and Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership is providing support through grants, technical assistance, policy advisory services, capacity building, and institutional strengthening. For instance, in Uzbekistan, GFMR allocated $11 million for projects aimed at identifying and repairing methane leaks within the gas transportation network. This effort aims at cutting emissions by up to 100,000 tonnes annually.
“Governments and operators must make flaring reduction a priority," emphasized Zubin Bamji, World Bank Manager for the Global Flaring & Methane Reduction (GFMR) Partnership. "The solutions exist."
The World Bank’s GFMR is supported by governments and organizations committed to ending routine gas flaring globally by 2030.