NNPC, partners to reduce methane emissions

From Uche Usim, Abuja

As global conversations around energy transition deepen, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited) has said it would work with its partners across the globe to reduce methane emissions in all oil and gas operations.

The assurance rides on the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter released at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

The Charter calls on the oil and gas sector to achieve the goal of reaching net-zero emissions for their own operations by 2050. It also includes commitments to achieve near-zero methane emissions and no routine flaring by 2030.

Speaking on the development during a panel session titled “Accelerating the Elimination of Methane Emissions & the Decarbonisation of Oil & Gas,” NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said the Charter was a major opportunity not just for the NNPC Ltd, but for the African sub-region to scale up cleaner energy production.

“Africa contributes three percent to emissions, but that does not exclude us from the consequences of the emissions. I think the decarbonisation drive and the charter are not just ethical but also a strategic imperative for a major African National Oil Company (NOC) like ours.

“We believe this charter is an important one. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver on that,” Eyesan stated.

She added that to achieve its near-zero methane emissions, Nigeria has since declared the Decade of Gas initiative, which is not only geared towards producing more gas for export, but also towards producing gas for the local economy and that of the entire African sub-region.

She added: “I assure you that we are open to working with our partners towards achieving zero-flare and methane emission reduction by 2030. This fits perfectly with our dreams, and we consider it achievable,” Eyesan stated.

She described finance and technology as the two major challenges in delivering on the provisions of the charter, noting that for the two problems to be solved, African countries need to work with partners who have the technology and finance.

She said NNPC Ltd remains committed to expanding its alternative energy sources through investment in solar, wind, and other renewable sources.