Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. According to the International Energy Agency, the oil and gas sector is responsible for about 23% of global methane emissions. Reducing these emissions is crucial for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and limiting the rise in global temperatures.

That’s why the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) and TotalEnergies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to adopt and deploy a methane detection technology known as Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Application (AUSEA) in all their upstream operations.

What Is AUSEA and How Does It Work?

AUSEA is a technology developed by TotalEnergies that uses drones equipped with sensors to measure methane concentrations in the air. The drones fly over the oil and gas facilities and send real-time data to a cloud platform, where it is analyzed and visualized. 

According to a report by Vanguard, this allows the operators to identify and locate any methane leaks and take corrective actions to stop them.

AUSEA is a fast, accurate, and cost-effective way to monitor and reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. It can cover large areas and detect leaks as small as 0.1 kg per hour. It can also provide data on the flare combustion efficiency and the carbon dioxide emissions from the flares.

Why Is This Deal Important for Nigeria and The World?

The MoU between NNPC Ltd. and TotalEnergies is a significant step towards leveraging nuclear fusion, often touted as the ‘holy grail’ of energy, to power a sustainable, clean-energy future. By deploying AUSEA on their upstream operations sites, the two companies will be able to assess the level of methane emissions from them and implement emission curtailment measures to help combat global warming and climate change.

The deal is also a direct benefit from NNPC Ltd.’s participation at the recently concluded United Nations Climate Change Conference (also known as COP28) in Dubai, UAE, where it showcased its commitment to the energy transition and the net-zero emission target by 2050.

The MoU was signed by NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, and Managing Director and Country Chair, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria, Matthieu Bouyer, under the watch of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) NNPC Ltd., Mele Kyari, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné.

What Are The Benefits of This Collaboration?

The collaboration between NNPC Ltd. and TotalEnergies will not only help reduce the environmental impact of their operations, but also enhance their operational efficiency, safety, and profitability. By using AUSEA, the two companies will be able to:

– Identify unaccounted emission sources and improve their emission reporting processes

– Establish a basis for querying and reviewing their operational systems and implementing corrective actions

– Optimize their flare management and reduce their flaring volumes and costs

– Comply with the regulatory requirements and the best practices for methane emission reduction

– Demonstrate their leadership and responsibility in the energy sector and the society

The MoU also opens up new opportunities for cooperation and innovation between the two companies, as well as between Nigeria and France, in the field of energy and climate action.

This deal is also a testament to the strong partnership and friendship between NNPC Ltd. and TotalEnergies, which have been working together for over 50 years in Nigeria. The two companies share a common vision and mission to provide energy for all, while respecting the environment and the communities.