To harness its abundant Natural Gas resources and mitigate the harmful effects of gas flaring, the federal government of Nigeria has commissioned a 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) Kwale Gas Gathering Hub facility and Nedogas plant in Kwale, Delta State. The facility, which was commissioned by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, is an Investment initiative by the Nigerian Content Development Board (NCDMB) aimed at assisting Nigerian companies in achieving their targets.
The project was partly financed by a funding grant from the United States Trade Development Agency (USTDA) and Messrs Cordros Capital Investments. During the commissioning, Ekpo emphasized that the facility marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s effort to leverage its abundant natural gas resources for national development. He noted that the facility addresses persistent environmental issues by capturing associated gas that would otherwise be vented, thus reducing its negative environmental impact and converting a waste product into a valuable resource.
Severe health and environmental consequences.
Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas during oil extraction, has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria. The country has been losing an estimated $20 billion annually due to this activity. The practice also has severe environmental and health implications, including air and water pollution, acid rain, and Greenhouse gas emissions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that exposure to Gas Flaring can lead to respiratory problems, cancer, and other health issues. Despite the government’s efforts to reduce gas flaring, the practice remains widespread.
According to a report by the World Bank, Nigeria flared 5.3 billion cubic meters of gas in 2022, with 174 individual flare sites identified. The report also noted that the volume of gas flared declined by 45 percent from 2012 to 2022, but the flaring intensity remained largely unchanged. The Nigerian government has set targets to reduce gas flaring and methane emissions. The country has committed to an unconditional reduction of 20 percent and a conditional reduction target of 47 percent.
NGFCP launched to reduce wastage and utilise flare.
The government has also launched initiatives such as the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Program (NGFCP) and the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations, 2018, to promote the use of flare gas and reduce waste. The Kwale Gas Gathering Hub facility and Nedogas plant are significant steps towards achieving these targets. The facility will capture associated gas that would otherwise be vented and convert it into a valuable resource. This will not only reduce the negative environmental impact of gas flaring but also increase gas usage and broaden the country’s energy sources.
As the country continues to work towards achieving its targets, it is essential to prioritize sustainable practices and environmental protection. The facility is also expected to create jobs and stimulate Economic Growth in the region. The Nigerian Content Development Board (NCDMB) has reported that the project will create over 1,000 jobs during the Construction phase and an additional 200 permanent jobs during the operational phase. Also, the facility will also provide a reliable source of gas for power generation, industrial use, and domestic consumption. This will help to reduce the country’s reliance on imported fuel and increase energy security.
Related Article: NUPRC plans to end gas flaring by 2030
As Nigeria continues to work towards a greener future, it is essential to prioritize sustainable practices and environmental protection. The successful completion of this project is a testament to the government’s commitment to reducing flaring and promoting sustainable development. The facility is a model for future gas projects in Nigeria and demonstrates the government’s commitment to reducing gas flaring and promoting sustainable development. The project’s success is a result of the collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners. It is a step in the right direction towards achieving a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sector in Nigeria.