COP28: NNPC commits to methane emission reduction by 2030

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has expressed commitment to reducing methane emissions and achieving zero-flare in its operations by 2030.

The national oil firm made the commitment after an oil and gas decarbonisation charter was released on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Climate change conference (COP28), in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The charter implores oil and gas sector to achieve the goal of reaching net-zero emissions for their operations by 2050. 

It is also said to include commitments to achieve near-zero methane emissions and no routine flaring by 2030.

Commenting, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC Limited executive vice-president (EVP), upstream, said the charter was a major opportunity not just for the state oil company, but for the African sub-region. 

Speaking during a panel session titled ‘Accelerating the elimination of methane emissions & the decarbonisation of oil & gas’, Eyesan said the charter is an important strategic requirement for a major African national oil company.

“Africa contributes three percent to emissions, but that does not exclude us from the consequences of the emissions,” she said

“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 said to achieve its near-zero methane emissions, Nigeria has since declared a “decade of gas”. 

She said the initiative is geared towards producing more gas for export and also for the local economy and that of the entire African sub-region.

“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 said. 

She identified finance and technology as the two main obstacles to implementing the charter’s provisions. 

The NNPC executive noted that to overcome these obstacles, African nations must collaborate with partners who possess both of these resources.

Eyesan said NNPC remains dedicated to growing its portfolio of alternative energy sources through investments in wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources.