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Mossmorran and Braefoot Bay Complexes

Mossmorran is situated near Cowdenbeath, 20km north of Edinburgh. The Mossmorran complex consists of two neighbouring plants: the Fife Natural Gas Liquids (FNGL) Plant operated by Shell U.K. Limited and the Fife Ethylene Plant (FEP) operated by ExxonMobil Chemical Limited.

Latest update

Flare Optimisation Programme - Shell UK Limited

Date published: 18 July 2025

Shell UK Limited have issued a community notice about their Flare Optimisation Programme, which is expected to begin on Tuesday 22nd July.

The trial follows recommendations from a recent Best Available Technology (BAT) assessment that evaluated best techniques to prevent or reduce emissions associated with flaring at the site. 

SEPA, and other regulatory authorities, require and expect operators to maintain and improve the performance of their plants appropriately. We are fully engaged with Shell UK Limited and will review the outcomes of the trial once complete.

View previous updates

What we have done

We continue to monitor air quality and noise in community locations. Communities around the Mossmorran Complex are now able to see the air quality in their area in close to real time, with the launch of our new monitoring network.

It follows on from community participation in the design of a new air quality monitoring network, and a refreshed online regulatory hub designed to make it easier than ever to find information about our regulation of the Fife Natural Gas Liquids Plant and Fife Ethylene Plant. 

Find out more about our new monitoring network on our air quality monitoring page.

More information