What action has Eni taken and what results have been achieved to resolve the problem of gas flaring in the countries where it operates?

Over the last three years, Eni has already reduced flaring by more than 30% compared with 2007, and investments in infrastructure are underway to raise this to 80% by 2014. When fully operational, this programme will lead to the recovery of around 5 billion cubic metres of gas per year, that will partly be made available to markets in producing countries, while at the same time, thanks to the use of a more efficient source such as natural gas, reducing in proportion the CO2 emissions linked to the phenomenon.
Flaring down programmes allow for a more efficient use of countries' natural resources and have a series of other positive effects. For years Eni has encouraged countries to adopt a strategy for the recovery of associated gas based on four reduction practices (so-called flaring down). Associated gas, when re-injected, facilitates a more efficient exploitation of the reservoir, guaranteeing higher production levels for the country. When sent to a liquefied natural gas terminal, in most cases owned by the national oil company, this increases export capacity and allows the country to consolidate its position in the international market. When used to supply the domestic market and in the generation of electricity, this allows communities in the producing country to have regular, reliable and secure access to energy that can catalyse social development and consequently economic growth.
In addition to being an opportunity to exploit a precious resource for development, these options contribute to a more equitable distribution of emissions among countries and are an important element in the reduction of the company's impact with regard to climate change.