Mossmorran's ethylene plant back to normal production after £140m upgrade

Normal production has safely resumed at Mossmorran's ethylene plant following an upgrade worth £140 million.

It means the elevated flare at the facility is no longer in use after it was needed during the final stage of the plant's re-start at the weekend.

A new flare tip has been installed as part of the work, with hope that improvement work will reduce disruption to local communities.

ExxonMobil says more than 21,000 individual work tasks was performed, with more than 48,000 new parts fitted and a delivery of more than 500,000 hours of skilled maintenance and upgrades carried out.

But while there is confidence that the project will reduce unplanned flaring and improve the plant's operational reliability, its flare remains as a "vital operational and safety system", with an enclosed ground flare expected to be introduced in 2022.

Martin Burrell, the plant manager, said: "While we are confident the project will help to improve operational reliability and reduce unplanned flaring, Fife Ethylene Plant is a complex operation with our flare remaining a vital operational and safety system.

"Our further investment to introduce an Enclosed Ground Flare, which will reduce the use of the elevated unit by at least 98%, is progressing well and remains on schedule to be operational by the end of next year.

"We will continue to keep you and the wider community updated on its progress and the significant benefits it will bring."