RasGas has invested more than $ 49m in projects that reduce emissions and enhance its waste management programmes in 2011.

In a statement issued here yesterday to announce the launch of RasGas’ 2011 Sustainability Report, Hamad Rashid Al Mohannadi, Managing Director of RasGas, said the company has launched several pace-setting emission reduction initiatives across its value chain, ranging from flare minimization to a new Greenhouse Gas Policy (GHG) reduction policy.

Through our five-year flare minimization programme, RasGas has achieved an overall reduction of 66 percent, the first of its kind in Qatar, he said.

“Our 2011 operational results highlight our key strength: the ability to safely and reliably deliver on our commitments. The strong safety and operations performance underpins good environmental performance. In 2011, we invested more than $ 49m in projects that reduce emissions and enhance our waste management.” Al Mohannadi said.

Additionally, the new RasGas headquarters in Doha was recognised as the first LEED-certified commercial interiors project in Qatar for its energy-saving features integrated into the office design. Al Mohannadi said RasGas has successfully launched several pace-setting emission reduction initiatives across its value chain, ranging from flare minimisation to a new Greenhouse Gas Policy (GHG) reduction policy. The company is aware that in order to meet the growing energy demand, it needs to optimise energy use while minimizing wasted energy.

The 2011 Sustainable Report highlights RasGas’ plans in playing an active role in delivering a lower carbon future. Among these is the development of the Company’s first GHG management strategy and policy that includes independent third-party GHG verification, screening of emission reduction opportunities, engagement with local stakeholders and assessment of options for developing our voluntary reporting.

Among RasGas’ efforts to reduce emissions, the Company continued to operate the region’s first acid injection (AGI) scheme that stores CO2 and hydrogen sulphide (H2S), reducing emissions of CO2 and sulphur dioxide (SO2) from the production process. This has resulted in eliminating 1 million tonnes per year of CO2 and 11,000 tonnes of SO2 each year. The Company also completed a five-year flare minimisation programme, the first of its kind in Qatar, which resulted in an overall emission reduction of 66 percent. In addition, in terminal operations, the Jetty Boil-off Gas Recovery Project was designed to minimize flaring at loading terminals in Ras Laffan.

In shipping, RasGas’ use of larger vessels fitted with liquefaction facilities resulted in a reduction in number of voyages required, which cut emissions per nautical mile. Older vessels were retrofitted to use clean LNG as a fuel, reducing direct emissions from the vessels and indirect emissions from refinery production of residual fuels.

RasGas’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which focuses on one cornerstone each year, dedicated 2011 to the Year of Health, and CSR-related activities increased by more than 25 per cent in support of a wide range of initiatives involving employees and the community.

The 2011 Sustainability Report was prepared in accordance with guidelines on sustainability reporting from shareholder company Qatar Petroleum and adopts guidance specific to the oil and gas industry prepared by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA).