Oil company KOC reduces gas waste via flaring to a remarkable 0.51%, progressing in oil extraction projects
Kuwait Oil Company Advances Enhanced Oil Recovery Initiatives for Sustainable Production
The Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is pushing forward with its efforts to improve oil production efficiency and reduce emissions, as part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability.
One of the key initiatives is a long-term test aimed at streamlining operations, minimizing water treatment, and accelerating oil extraction. The test, which is part of an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) project, is currently being conducted on the Managish Al-Sari reservoir in West Kuwait. If successful, it is estimated to boost oil extraction by an estimated 3.5% to 4.5%.
This test is not related to the deep gel conformal treatment study in the Bahra Field's Mawdud reservoir, another EOR initiative aimed at enhancing oil recovery. The results of this study have already been positive, and if proven effective, it could lead to increased oil output, lower water treatment costs, and support KOC's strategy to minimize emissions and produce more sustainable oil.
In addition to these EOR projects, KOC has made significant strides in reducing gas flaring. During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the gas flaring rate dropped to 0.51%, a record low and well below the annual permissible limit of 0.80%. This achievement is a significant environmental win, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to cleaner operations.
KOC's focus on digital transformation and organizational restructuring has also resulted in increased operational efficiency. The company is integrating modern digital and automated technologies, focusing on heavy oil field development, reservoir management, and maintenance. This move is designed to optimize resource usage and reduce the environmental footprint.
These initiatives align with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s (KPC) broader strategy involving a $50 billion investment over five years to increase production capacity while embracing cleaner technologies and sustainability goals. KPC emphasizes balancing production growth with CO₂ emissions reduction and adherence to environmental standards, reflecting Kuwait’s commitment to sustainable energy development and environmental stewardship.
In summary, KOC's recent EOR projects are driving gains in oil production along with tangible advances in reducing emissions and environmental impact. These efforts are creating a positive impact by increasing oil recovery rates and enhancing production from mature fields, decreasing environmentally harmful gas flaring and associated emissions, introducing advanced technologies and digital systems that optimize resource use and operational efficiency, and supporting Kuwait’s long-term energy security and sustainability objectives while balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The endeavors of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) extend beyond oil production, as they also involve collaboration with the environmental-science sector to minimize emissions and promote sustainability.
Moreover, the successful implementation of these EOR projects could potentially attract investment from the finance sector, enhancing the company's ability to fund future projects focused on renewable energy and cleaner technologies, thereby contributing to a greener industry and a sustainable environment.
