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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.

The Fife Ethylene Plant ceased operations in February 2026 and is currently being decommissioned. SEPA continue to regulate the plant, undertaking regular contact and inspections.

Latest update

Community Notice - Shell Fife NGL Plant - Planned use of ground flares

Date published: 13 March 2026

The following community notice has been shared by the operator:

"I’m writing to let you know that there will be a short period of planned flaring from our elevated flare stack during the early hours of Sunday morning (15th March). This is linked to adjustments we are making to our operating system upstream of Fife NGL plant.

"Flaring is a normal and safely managed part of our operations. While we aim to keep any use of the elevated flare to a minimum, this activity is expected to be brief and controlled, and we do not anticipate significant impact to the local community.

"Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or comment. Our notices and contact details are also on the plant website."

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