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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: 02 June 2026

The operator has shared the following community notice:

"On Wednesday 3rd June we will carry out an annual test of the plant’s shutdown valves, which are an important part of our safety systems.

"To complete the work, we will need to shut down and test the valves of the pipeline coming into and out of the plant.  Whilst we have planned to minimise flaring, there is potential that short periods of elevated flaring may occur between 7am to 9pm on the day.

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

"We have informed the regulator SEPA.

"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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