By Mandy Tina
TotalEnergies Nigeria limited says it has reached zero routine flaring in all its operations across Nigeria, becoming the first EP company to do so.
Announcing the feat on Thursday 15 February, 2024, to newsmen in Port Harcourt, after an inspection tour of OML100, the managing director, TotalEnergies Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, said the company’s vision has been more energy less emissions.
Bouyer explained that Total is the only company operating in the value chain, noting that the company had three hundred (300) to three hundred and fifty (350) kSm3 per day routine flaring, but has been reduced to zero.
He disclosed further that out of the five hundred and forty (540) service stations across the nation, two hundred and fifty-six (256) have been fully solarized.
According to him, the company is very proud of the attainment, noting that it is the first exploration and production company in Nigeria to achieve the feat.
“TotalEnergies as a global company is committed to produce more energy but at the same time, reduce emissions.The achievement was not just a practical demonstration of TotalEnergies’ commitment to deliver less carbon-intensive energy to its customers but aligns with the Nigerian government’s objective to foster a low carbon economy.
“The objective of this project is double, reduce our emissions: our Company objective is to fully stop routine flaring in the Company by 2030. On that standpoint we are in advance in Nigeria since we stopped end 2023.
“Increase energy production: by stopping routine flaring, we are able to valorize the gas, thereby creating value for the country”.
The Total boss maintained that all it’s future projects within its operating environment and the larger society are designed towards zero routine flaring.
“The rule is that any new project should improve the emissions intensity of our operations. For example, our recent projects such as Egina and Ikike were stared-up without flaring.”
He however said that other initiatives of the company revolve around CO2 (carbon dioxide) and CH4 (methane) emissions reduction in our operations through mobilization of best available technologies around three pillars.
These pillars, according to the company, include reducing methane emissions, reducing fuel gas consumption and reducing flaring further on its facilities.
“Reducing methane emissions is a priority, and TotalEnergies intends to establish an exemplary track record in this area. AUSEA drone campaigns allow us to detect and measure Methane emissions on site so we can take actions towards reducing or eliminating such emissions. We work alongside our partners to implement such best practices on our non-operated assets as well.
“Reducing fuel gas consumption: we develop energy efficiency technologies to reduce our consumption of fuel gas and liquid fuels. For example, we use solar technology onshore with a 5MWp solar project at our OML58 field. It will contribute to produce a cleaner oil and gas from the field.
“Reducing flaring further on our facilities. Work is done for routine flaring and we study the next step which is reducing further the safety flaring.”