Experts advocate cleaner technologies in oil, gas to cut emissions

Energy experts have called for the adoption of cleaner technologies within the oil and gas sector as a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate goals.

They emphasised the need for the industry to align with sustainable practices.

The experts argued that adopting cleaner technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), flaring reduction, and improved efficiency in energy use can help cut emissions without abandoning oil and gas

They made this known at a webinar organised by the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NiPeTE) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Professional Practice Group (LCCI PPG) on the theme: ‘Transitioning Away from Emissions, not Oil and Gas’.

Former Executive Commissioner for Development and Production at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dr Nuhu Habib, argued for a broader focus on reducing overall emissions rather than solely targeting oil and gas production. He cautioned that an exclusive focus on oil and gas could have detrimental effects on the global economy, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to environmental sustainability and energy production.

He stressed that while oil and gas production contributed to emissions, it is not the largest source of global greenhouse gases. He noted that oil and gas will continue to be key drivers of the global economy for at least the next 50 years, underscoring the importance of balancing emission reduction efforts with the need to maintain energy security and economic stability.

“Oil and gas account for only about 15 per cent of industrial emissions, the real challenge lies in addressing broader industrial activities that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, hence, there is a need for a more holistic approach to reducing emissions across various sectors of the economy,” he said.

He stressed the importance of genuine international collaboration and commitment, emphasising that without adequate financial and technical support, many African countries may struggle to meet their climate goals, further exacerbating the global environmental challenge, pointing out the incomplete financial commitments under the Paris Agreement aimed at supporting African nations in their climate change mitigation efforts.

Planning and Commercial Research Officer at Gas and Power Investment Service, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., Dr Mohammed Malami, called for strategic integration of low-carbon technologies and enhanced operational efficiency in the oil and gas sector.