Follow Us on Google
The Liquefied Natural Gas industry has continued to expand its reach globally, due to the increasing energy demands all around the world, and Nigeria has not been left out of this journey. To ensure that LNG projects maintain an eco-friendly standard, it is important to integrate sustainability into Liquefied Natural Gas asset management and operations in order for the industry to address environmental concerns.
Sustainability is a broad concept that encompasses environmental, social, and economic considerations to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Liquefied Natural Gas Plants Operations and Competency Assurance specialist, Dr. Olawe Tula, believes that there are several key principles and strategies that can be applied to integrate sustainability into LNG asset management and operations.
He stated that one of the most effective means to ensure sustainable practices, is to prioritize energy efficiency. “We must learn to optimize energy consumption in LNG liquefaction, storage, and regasification processes through the deployment of energy-efficient technologies, such as waste heat recovery systems, advanced compressors, and efficient heat exchangers.
This can also be accomplished by implementing energy management systems and monitoring programs that continuously track and improve energy efficiency,” he said. Tula insists that an emphasis has to be laid on reducing emissions that pose immediate threats to our environment and the ecosystem: “We must learn to minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from LNG operations by implementing carbon capture and sequestration technologies, where feasible.
LNG processes should explore the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to offset the energy needs of relevant facilities. “Another key emission reduction strategy is developing frameworks that reduce methane emissions, which is a potent GHG, from LNG infrastructure and operations,” he added. He wants more LNG plants to optimize water usage through the implementation of water recycling and reuse systems, desalination technologies, and water conservation measures.
He believes that when practitioners ensure proper treatment and disposal of wastewater generated from LNG operations, we can minimize environmental footprints. Tula also stated that proper waste management is central to achieving sustainable practice in LNG assets and operators. “We can work towards proper waste management through the adoption of a circular economy approach that finds ways to reuse, recycle, or repurpose waste materials generated during LNG asset construction, operation, and decommissioning.
We must implement waste minimization strategies and responsible disposal methods for hazardous materials.” A key part of sustainable practices is ensuring ecosystem and biodiversity protection, and Tula wants more operators in the LNG industry to regularly conduct thorough environmental impact assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks to local ecosystems and biodiversity during the siting, construction, and operation of LNG facilities. LNG assets and operators can also develop and implement biodiversity management plans to preserve and enhance the natural habitats in the project’s area of influence.
He added that it is very crucial to ensure that all relevant stakeholders stay fully engaged in the entire process, and enlightened about their social responsibilities. He believes that campaigns that engage with local communities, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders should be held, will help people understand their concerns and incorporate their feedback into decision-making processes.
Tula further stated that, there is need to incorporate sustainability considerations into asset lifecycles, from design and construction to operation and eventual decommissioning, cannot be overemphasized. “LNG operators can demonstrate their commitment to favoring sustainable practices by developing comprehensive decommissioning plans that will ensure the responsible and sustainable dismantling of LNG facilities, including the remediation of any environmental impacts.” By integrating these sustainability practices into LNG asset management and operations, the industry can reduce its environmental footprint, improve resource efficiency, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the energy sector.
