Planned flaring at Shell’s Fife NGL plant this week

The company says the activity is being carefully managed and that it aims to minimise any impact on local residents.

In a notice shared by Cowdenbeath Community Council on Facebook, Shell confirmed that flares at the Fife NGL plant will be in use on and off from yesterday (Thursday, June 11), to Wednesday, June 17.

The message explains that the flaring is linked to follow‑on work being carried out upstream of the plant, and is described as a planned activity rather than an emergency response.

Shell states that flaring is a “normal and safely managed” part of its operations at the Fife site, although the company says it aims to minimise how often it is needed.

According to the letter, controlled use of the flares is sometimes necessary to allow operational work to proceed safely, and the flare may be visible locally both during the day and at night while this work is under way.

The company adds that it will work to minimise any impact on the surrounding community.

The plant manager says the upcoming activity has been “carefully planned for” and that Shell will prioritise the use of ground flares, which are less visible than elevated flare stacks.

The company also states that Scotland’s environmental regulator SEPA has been informed about the planned flaring period and the associated work at the plant.

Residents are invited to contact Shell if they have any questions or comments, with the notice pointing people to further information and contact details online.

Cowdenbeath Community Council shared the message to alert local residents who may see or hear flaring from the plant during the specified period.

By setting out the dates, the council and Shell are aiming to reassure people that the activity is scheduled and controlled, rather than a sign of an incident.

The notice encourages anyone with concerns to get in touch so they can be addressed directly.