Why is wasted gas from oil exploration sites flared up into the sky as opposed to being used for some other process that needs energy?

Question

Seems wasteful? But I know nothing about the process and am curious.

In: Engineering

Answer 1

Gas flaring is used when a sudden build up of pressure occurs. A friend in the industry told me if they have to gas flare then something is wrong. So I guess the reason they don’t harness the power is that they hope it never occurs. I think of it like puking. If I have to spew I need to do it right now, out the window, not in a cup.