TotalEnergies Moves Toward Near-Net-Zero Gas with 5MW Solar Plant at OML 58

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Olori Uwem

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TotalEnergies Moves Toward Near-Net-Zero Gas with 5MW Solar Plant at OML 58

TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited has announced plans to inaugurate a 5-megawatt solar power plant at OML 58, marking a significant step in its strategy to cut emissions while boosting Nigeria’s energy output.

The disclosure was made by Managing Director Mathieu Bouyer during the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja.

⚡ Solar Power to Drive Ubeta Gas Project

The planned solar plant will:
• Supply dedicated electricity to OML 58 operations
• Power the Ubeta Gas Project
• Reduce dependence on conventional energy sources
• Lower the carbon intensity of production

Bouyer described the initiative as central to positioning the Ubeta field as one of the world’s first near-net-zero gas developments.

Ubeta Gas: Expanding Domestic Supply

The Ubeta Gas Project has already been sanctioned and is expected to deliver:
• Up to 300 million cubic feet of gas per day
• Supply primarily to Nigeria’s domestic market

According to Bouyer, the project reflects TotalEnergies’ dual objective: increase production while reducing emissions.

Two-Pillar Strategy in Nigeria

TotalEnergies’ Nigerian operations are anchored on:

1️⃣ Growing Oil & Gas Production
• Maximising value from onshore gas assets
• Strengthening offshore oil and gas operations
• Evaluating new upstream investment opportunities

2️⃣ Scaling Up Integrated Power Solutions
• Expanding electricity generation
• Integrating renewables into hydrocarbon projects
• Supporting the global goal of “more energy with fewer emissions”

Nigeria remains a strategic market within TotalEnergies’ global portfolio, competing with other countries for upstream capital allocation.

♻️ Emissions Reduction Milestones

Bouyer highlighted major sustainability achievements:
✅ Elimination of routine gas flaring across Nigerian operations in 2023
✅ Deployment of proprietary AUSEA methane detection technology
✅ Installation of 2,500 Permanent Emission Monitoring Systems

These measures enable real-time emissions tracking and rapid response to methane leaks.

Collaboration with Indigenous Operators

TotalEnergies is deepening partnerships with local companies to accelerate project delivery.

Key collaborations include:
• AMNI International Petroleum Development Company
• Conoil Producing Limited
• South Atlantic Petroleum

Notable joint achievements include:
• Egina FPSO
• Akpo Condensate Field

Ongoing work includes deep offshore resource appraisal with Conoil and planned exploration drilling with Sapetro.

Bouyer noted that partnerships with indigenous firms enhance speed, efficiency, and value creation for Nigeria.

Industry-Wide Energy Transition Shift

Industry observers say the integration of solar power into upstream oil and gas operations reflects a broader shift among international oil companies operating in Nigeria.

With financiers increasingly favouring low-carbon investments, hybrid energy models are becoming essential to securing capital and maintaining competitiveness.

Youth Engagement & Knowledge Transfer

Beyond project announcements, TotalEnergies engaged with students visiting its exhibition booth at the summit, reinforcing its commitment to:
• Skills development
• Knowledge transfer
• Building the next generation of energy professionals

Bottom Line

TotalEnergies’ 5MW solar plant at OML 58 signals a strategic pivot — blending renewable energy with traditional hydrocarbon production.

If successfully executed, the Ubeta Gas Project could emerge as one of Nigeria’s flagship near-net-zero gas developments, strengthening domestic supply while aligning with global energy transition goals.