NNPC: Joint venture with First E&P reduced gas flaring by 96%

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says its joint venture (JV) with First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) has reduced routine gas flaring by 98 percent in two fields.

Femi Soneye, NNPC’s chief corporate communications officer, announced the milestone in a statement on Thursday.

He said the stride supports Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent unconditionally and 47 percent conditionally, as stipulated in the nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.

“The NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has successfully achieved 96% reduction in routine flaring of associated gas (AG) from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields,” the statement reads.

“This remarkable milestone was attained through the implementation of an AG reinjection strategy into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field, situated in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State.

“The initiative ensures that gas, which would have otherwise been flared, is now safely stored, significantly mitigating environmental impact.

“The reduction in AG flaring aligns with the regulatory framework set forth by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), underscoring the JV’s compliance with national environmental standards and global best practices.”

Commenting on the feat, Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPC, said the achievement underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals.

“It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices,” Kyari said.

On his part, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, managing director and chief executive officer of FIRST E&P, said the milestone reflects “our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production”.

“By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve,” Adeyemi-Bero added.

In February  2024, the NNPC and TotalEnergies joint venture (JV) announced achieving zero routine gas flare in all its assets.