Last updated 4/4/25

Key facts

Address: Kimmeridge Wellsite, Kimmeridge, Dorset

Planning applications: Multiple applications between the late 1970s and 2023

Operator: Perenco

Licence: PL89

Status: Oil producing field. Controversial for history of venting and current flaring.

Key facts

Address: Kimmeridge Well site, access road to Gaulter, Kimmeridge

Planning applications:

Operator: Perenco

Licence:

Status: Oil-producing site on the Jurassic Coast cliffs. Controversial venting of methane and volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

Timeline

25 March 2025

Production from the Kimmeridge oil site up 6% in 2024. Details

April/May 2024

In April 2024 and May 2024, three oil sites (Horndean, Kimmeridge and Beckingham) accounted for more than half the volume of gas vented onshore . April 2024 data May 2024 data

10 November 2023

Venting data revised down at Kimmeridge oil site. Details

1 November 2023

NSTA data shows flaring at Kimmeridge has been carried out between November 2022 and August 2023 (the most recent month for which data is available)

31 January 2023

Date by which flaring should end at Kimmeridge well site (but see above)

28 November 2022

Kimmeridge largest UK onshore oil sites for methane venting. Details

27 September 2022

Perenco withdraws planning application for a temporary flare. Details

26 September 2022

Kimmeridge oil site burns gas because of equipment delays. Details

19 July 2022

Perenco applies for permission to install a temporary flare to burn waste gas at Kimmeridge. It says the flare will be used for six months. Dorset Council says it will monitor the site and decide whether the flare is needed. Details

23 May 2022

Angus Energy announces oil production resumes. Detail

14 January 2022

Kimmeridge oil site continues to vent hundreds of tonnes of methane. Details

23 October 2021

Investigation reveals “significant” methane emissions at Kimmeridge onshore oil site. Details

26 August 2021

Kimmeridge operator, Perenco, loses more than £101m – company accounts. Details

5 October 2020

Dorset Council approves application for installation of plant, including a gas compression unit, to facilitate a reduction in the venting of methane and volatile organic compounds. Details

6 September 2013

Dorset County Council approves extension of planning permission at Wytch Farm, Wareham and Kimmeridge until 2037.

September 2012

Perenco applies to Dorset County Council for permission to extend the life of 39 planning permissions for Wytch Farm, as well as Wareham and Kimmeridge.

17 May 2011

BP announces the sale of its majority interest in Wytch Farm, Wareham, Beacon and Kimmeridge fields to Perenco, which becomes the new operator.

11 April 2001

Dorset Council approves application for erection of plant and equipment for five years for the recovery of gas and generation of electricity. Details

19 July 2017

Operational life of the oilfield extended from 11 November 2016 to 31 December 2037.

31 May 1977

First planning application for Kimmeridge oil field. Details

1961

Oil production begins

March 1959

Oil discovered at Kimmeridge