Nigeria's Gas Flaring Stagnates Despite Legislative Efforts - IEA Report
Nigeria's gas flaring, highlighted in the recent IEA report, has shown no significant reduction since 2015. Despite substantial legislative efforts, the country faces challenges due to aging infrastructure and limited project options.
The IEA report commends Nigeria for enacting stringent legislation, such as the Nigeria Gas Master Plan and the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulation. However, the ease of implementing initial projects and aging facilities has resulted in stagnation in reducing flaring intensity.
In response, Nigeria updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement in 2021. The revised NDC targets ending routine flaring by 2030 and decreasing methane emissions by 60% by 2031. Guidelines issued in 2022 mandate strict measures, including prohibiting cold venting and setting combustion efficiency standards.
The report emphasizes the varied role of natural gas in Africa's energy landscape. Despite Africa's modest 5% natural gas share, significant advancements, especially in Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria, contribute to 80% of the continent's output. The discovery of substantial gas reserves and approved development projects in Mozambique, Mauritania, and Egypt signals potential growth.
However, the IEA warns that if these projects proceed as planned, they could result in approximately 10 gigatons of cumulative CO2 emissions by 2030, contributing significantly to Africa's historical and future emissions. Africa's current cumulative energy-related CO2 emissions are around 3%, potentially increasing to 3.5% due to anticipated gas combustion emissions.
In conclusion, Nigeria faces challenges in reducing gas flaring, balancing legislative efforts with practical limitations. The evolving natural gas landscape in Africa brings both opportunities and environmental considerations for the continent's energy future.
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