FG Calls for Investment in Carbon Capture Technology to Reduce Emissions

•Tasks researchers, innovators on equitable transition to clean energy

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday called for investment in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solutions, which it said can play a significant role in reducing emissions from the upstream petroleum sector.

The government therefore called upon researchers and innovators in the country to redouble their efforts in view of their critical roles in ensuring a just and equitable transition to cleaner energy.

 Minister of State, Petroleum Resources(Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri made appeal at the ongoing Nigeria Institution of Petroleum Engineers(NIPetE) 2023 International Conference holding in Abuja.

“One crucial aspect of our commitment to environmental sustainability in the context of energy transition is carbon sequestration.

“We must continue to invest in research and technology to develop effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions, which can play a significant role in reducing emissions from the upstream petroleum sector,” he stated.

The minister, who was represented by the Director, Distribution and Utilisation of the midstream and downstream department of the ministry, Augustine Okwudiafor said that to effectively embrace the transition, government  must leverage quality research, cutting-edge technology and foster innovation.

The theme of this year’s conference is: “Research, Technology, and Innovation: Imperatives for Energy Transition”.

He noted that technology has the potential to transform the energy sector, making it more efficient, cleaner, and environmentally friendly.

“Embracing digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and automation can optimise hydrocarbon economic recovery, improve resource management, lower operational costs, improve petroleum data gathering and reduce environmental impacts,”he said.

According to him, collaboration with research and development financiers was crucial on the path to a sustainable energy future.

“To support the development and commercialisation of innovative technologies, we must collaborate closely with universities, research institutions, and the private sector.

“These collaborations can lead to the creation of solutions that enhance resource recovery, reduce emissions, and improve the overall sustainability of our energy industry,” Lokpobiri added.

He called for fostering an environment where entrepreneurs and innovators have access to the necessary capital and resources to drive change, noting that the path to a sustainable energy future demands collaboration with research and development financiers.

On the strides made so far in this direction, the minister said government has over the years increased the number of Research and Development (R&D) service permit applications.

“We have seen significant advances in technology and innovation in upstream operations. For example, in 2021, (NUPRC Data) the Nigerian upstream sector received four applications for R&D service permits. Interestingly, by 2022, this figure had risen to nine,” he stated.

 He noted that these applications demonstrate the petroleum industry’s growing interest in research and technology development, adding that in 2022, the profile distribution of technologies granted full and pilot test approval in the upstream sector increased.

These asset and integrity management, he said  accounted for 32 per cent, metering for 29 per cent, software monitoring for 21 per cent, and subsurface production for 18 per cent.

 According to him, the achievements demonstrate industry commitment  to enhancing asset management, improving measurement accuracy, implementing advanced monitoring solutions, and optimising subsurface production.

Earlier in her welcome address, the current National  Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Petroleum Engineers, Prisca Kanebi, told her audience that the conference was put in place to address the existential challenges posed by climate change to the country.

Kanebi posited that the global community has responded by uniting under the banner of the United Nations Climate change treaty and setting ambitious net-zero goals to safeguard the planet for future generations, and Nigeria would not be an exception.

She said the discussions at the conference and beyond will revolve around innovation, collaboration and strategic planning.

She added that the conference will explore cutting-edge technologies, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable practices within the oil and gas sector.

“We will consider policies, regulations, and incentives that can guide the country towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape,” she added.