Flare gas measurement in Algeria

Algeria, the fifth-largest gas flaring country in the world, is taking significant steps to transform its energy sector and meet its Paris Agreement pledge to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 22% by 2030 

Gas flaring alone accounts for an annual loss of 9.3 bn cu/m — equivalent to 1% of Algeria’s GDP, according to a World Bank report. The stakes are both environmental and economic, placing the country at a pivotal moment as it seeks to balance energy production with sustainability in a way that could redefine regional standards.

Flaring in Algeria produces approximately 150 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent gases annually, according to FlareIntel, which exceeds that of many neighbouring countries, emphasising the urgency for reform.

Historically, Algeria has struggled to curb flaring due to limited infrastructure and inconsistent enforcement of regulations. However, global pressures, rising scrutiny on methane emissions, and self-policing initiatives have created fresh incentives to accelerate decarbonisation.

In 2023, Algeria achieved the largest reduction in flaring globally, cutting flare volumes by 0.4bn cu/m — a 5% decrease. While oil production fell by 2%, flaring intensity dropped by 3%, continuing a three-year trend of improvement.

SONATRACH, Algeria’s national oil company, has played a pivotal role by implementing flare gas recovery projects in Hassi Messaoud, the country’s largest oil field. In 2023, the company expanded its initiatives to include new projects in Tiguentourine, Ohanet, and Tin-Fouye-Tabankort, laying the groundwork for further reductions in flare volumes.

Algeria is turning to advanced technologies like Fluenta’s ultrasonic flare gas measurement systems, which provide reliable and actionable data. These systems enable operators to close the loop on mass balance calculations, and deliver accurate and reliable emissions reporting, including flare gas destruction removal efficiency (DRE).

Traditional metering systems such as thermal mass and others struggle with flare gas due to its unpredictable composition, rapid velocity changes, and extreme temperatures. Fluenta’s technology is specifically designed to overcome these challenges, delivering accurate measurement even in the most volatile conditions. By integrating flow rate data with gas composition analysis, operators gain deeper insight into their emissions profiles, allowing for more effective management and reduction strategies.

One of Fluenta’s key advantages is its ability to function in extreme environments, such as Algeria’s high-temperature oil and gas fields. This resilience ensures uninterrupted accuracy, even during peak operations or equipment stress. With access to real-time data, operators can optimise combustion efficiency, identify inefficiencies, and reduce unnecessary flaring.

Improved flare gas measurement strengthens Algeria’s position in global energy markets. As international buyers increasingly demand transparency and sustainability, advanced monitoring systems help ensure Algeria’s gas remains competitive—particularly in Europe, where emissions regulations are tightening. This is especially crucial in the wake of geopolitical shifts that have reshaped global energy supply chains.

Fluenta’s ultrasonic measurement systems enable operators to move beyond regulatory compliance toward proactive emissions management. By combining flow rate and gas composition data, they help identify fugitive emissions, detect inefficiencies across upstream processes, and optimise overall plant performance. Rather than simply minimising flaring, these insights allow operators to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance production throughput—advancing both Algeria’s sustainability goals and its economic ambitions. 

This is the first of a two-part article. Read the second part here.