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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 flares

Date published: 12 August 2026

The operator has shared the following community notice:

"I would like to make you aware we are planning to operate our flares intermittently between Friday 14 and Sunday 16 August 2026. This is a planned activity associated with operational work carried out upstream of the site. 

"Flaring is a normal and safely-managed part of our operations. While we aim to minimise flaring, the controlled use of the flares is sometimes necessary for operational work. We recognise that flaring can be seen locally in daylight and at night, and we aim to minimise any impact on the nearby community.

"Please contact us if you have any questions or comment. Our notices and contact details are also on the plant website."

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