LAGOS – Seplat Energy Plc, has stated that the developed-world pressures to abandon fossil fuels are being pushed back by recognition of the need to drive development with reliable energy.
Mr. Effiong Okon, the Director, New Energy at Seplat said this while delivering a keynote at a recent industry event themed: ‘Operationalising a Clean Energy Transition for Sustainable Development in Africa’.
He explained that COP27 would focus on how best to achieve this balance for the benefit of tomorrow’s 2.5 billion Africans, of whom 500 million will be Nigerian, adding that given current low emission levels, Africa can achieve a disproportionate improvement in living stands through a globally small increase in emissions from cleaner gas for power and cooking.
He implored players in the continent to leverage oil and gas revenues to cash flow transition, but also tap international transition funding where available, hence the need for good corporate governance.
He urged industry operators to focus on quick wins first, which are: decarbonizing the upstream and focusing on producing ‘advantaged’ low-carbon barrels with low Scope ½; end routine flaring and redeploying gas to power operations and local communities, and deploying renewables to power operations where possible, and share with local communities.
He added: “We need to develop gas as a transition fuel (Gas-to-power to replace diesel, move along value chain into power, like business parks, large buildings; hybrid gas-to-power / solar offerings; and bottled gas products for domestic use. In addition, we can expand into renewables (hydro, wind, geothermal, blue/green hydrogen; and develop and monetize carbon capture and storage.”
Okon, who represented Mr. Roger Brown, CEO Seplat Energy, said for a successful energy transition in Africa: “We must support the goals of the Paris Agreement and align with society’s objective to get the world to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, if not before.; as lower-emission hydrocarbons, particularly gas, have a role to play during energy transition by replacing diesel generators and biomass.
“Though hydrocarbon export will continue to be a mainstay of the Nigerian economy and will fund Nigeria’s growth as well as its energy transition, the Oil & Gas Industry has a role to play as a responsible steward of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets, including those that might be divested.”
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According to him, in the longer term, the reality and threat of climate change require the decarbonization of energy systems in Nigeria, but sustainability and transparency must be at the heart of business operations and decision-making.
Speaking on ‘just transition’ Okon noted that there is the need to balance decarbonization with development, adding that: “Global warming and climate volatility are existential threats to humanity and nature. The world needs to accelerate efforts to achieve net-zero and mitigate warming effects. Africa’s climate, agriculture, and people will suffer most in the coming decades. The problem has been caused by emissions from developed-world countries that have enjoyed their ‘carbon privilege’ and built strong economies on fossil fuels.
“However, we need to consider the reality in the continent. Poverty, hunger, unemployment, and population growth abound here. Africa contributes just 3.3% of global emissions. Most Africans (600 million) lack access to reliable energy, which hampers development. The use of inefficient and costly diesel/petrol generators saps financial resources, drains foreign exchange, and creates pollution.
“Biomass use for cooking causes deforestation, health problems, and nearly 0.5 million premature deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa every year. The developed world’s drive to impose decarbonization on Africa will constrain development.”
