Supporting Algeria’s Redefined Environmental and Economic Standards through Flare Gas Measurement 

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 billion cubic metres—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.

At the heart of Algeria’s climate strategy is its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which outlines an ambitious roadmap for emissions reductions. This commitment places a high emphasis on technology-driven solutions to measure and minimise the environmental impact of its hydrocarbon activities.

Gas flaring contributes to substantial emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) and represents a waste of valuable resources. Through advanced technologies and international partnerships, Algeria is demonstrating its determination to lead decarbonisation efforts in North Africa.

Algeria’s Emissions Profile and Historical Context

Flaring in Algeria produces approximately 150 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent gases annually, according to FlareIntel, highlighting a pressing environmental cost. This level of flaring 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, such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), rising scrutiny on methane emissions through open data sources like MethaneSat and CarbonMapper, and self-policing initiatives such as the Global Methane Pledge Reporting (GMFR) and OGMP 2.0 agreements, have created fresh incentives to accelerate decarbonisation.

In 2023, Algeria achieved the largest reduction in flaring globally, cutting flare volumes by 0.4 billion cubic metres—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.

By transforming an environmental liability into an economic asset, Algeria aims to reinvest captured gas into renewable energy projects and bolster its reputation as a sustainable energy producer.

The Role of Flare Gas Measurement in Emissions Control

Accurate flare gas measurement is central to Algeria’s strategy for reducing the 150 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions produced annually by flaring. While flaring ensures excess gas is burned safely rather than released into the atmosphere, it wastes a valuable resource and significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

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, 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.

Beyond environmental benefits, 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.

Algeria’s Advantages of Reducing Flaring

The implementation of advanced flare gas measurement systems unlocks numerous opportunities for Algeria that could enhance its economic and environmental standing. Among these benefits are:

• Capturing and exploiting flared gas could contribute an estimated $3 billion annually to Algeria’s economy, according to sources such as the World Bank and the International Energy Agency (IEA). This substantial revenue has the potential to support renewable energy projects, infrastructure development, and public services, creating both immediate and long-term benefits for the nation.
  
• Compliance with international sustainability standards ensures Algeria’s gas remains competitive in export markets, particularly Europe. Non-compliance with CBAM regulations could lead to higher tariffs, undermining Algeria’s position.
  
• Cutting emissions from flaring significantly reduces Algeria’s contribution to global warming. This is particularly vital for Algeria, which has already faced documented environmental challenges such as prolonged droughts, advancing desertification, and diminishing water resources. By addressing these environmental pressures, Algeria is not only safeguarding its natural ecosystems but also ensuring a more sustainable future for its population.
  
• Reducing flaring enhances local air quality by lowering exposure to pollutants. Studies by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have linked the impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from flaring on the degradation of air quality leading to higher rates of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses for nearby populations.
  

Partnerships in Action: Fluenta and SEGITEC

Turning Algeria’s ambitions into action requires collaboration, and one tangible aspect of this is Fluenta’s partnership with SEGITEC, a leading provider of instrumentation solutions in North Africa. SEGITEC’s deep regional expertise ensures Fluenta’s technology is accessible and supported across Algeria.

Together, SEGITEC and Fluenta play a vital role in supporting Algeria’s operators meet emissions goals and positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable energy practices. With third-party investment playing a crucial role in funding flare reduction projects, partnerships like these provide the infrastructure and credibility Algeria needs to attract private capital.

Algeria as a Beacon for Decarbonisation in Africa

Algeria’s ambitious climate targets and hands-on approach to emissions reduction position it as a clear leader in North Africa’s energy transition. Embracing innovative technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering strategic partnerships sets a benchmark for how oil and gas-producing nations can align economic development with environmental stewardship.

Algeria’s leadership stems from its ability to recognise the long-term benefits of sustainable energy practices, not just for the environment but also for the country’s economic resilience.

Algeria’s actions resonate beyond its borders, offering a model for other African nations grappling with similar challenges. As one of the region’s leading energy producers, Algeria’s progress shows that even resource-dependent economies can combine greener, more efficient practices with lofty industrial ambitions. By sharing its successes and lessons learned, Algeria has the potential to inspire a broader regional movement toward decarbonisation and energy efficiency.

These days, sustainability and competitiveness are no longer mutually exclusive. Aptly demonstrated in Algeria, the ability to balance a high growth in energy production with stringent environmental standards underscores its position as a key player in the transition to a low-carbon future. Its efforts not only contribute to the fight against climate change but also secure a more sustainable and prosperous future for the nation and its neighbours.