TotalEnergies Rolls Out 2,500 Methane Monitoring Systems in Nigeria, Targets Near-Net-Zero Gas Production
TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited has deployed advanced methane detection technologies and installed 2,500 Permanent Emission Monitoring Systems (PEMPs) across its Nigerian operations in a major push to curb emissions and lower its carbon footprint.
The announcement was made by the company’s Managing Director, Mathieu Bouyer, during a panel session at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the development
Large-Scale Methane Monitoring Deployment
TotalEnergies has rolled out 2,500 permanent emission monitoring systems across its facilities in Nigeria.
These systems are designed to:
• Continuously monitor methane emissions
• Detect leaks in real time
• Enable faster corrective action
• Improve transparency and environmental compliance
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and reducing fugitive emissions is considered one of the fastest ways to lower the carbon intensity of oil and gas operations.
Introduction of AUSEA Methane Detection Technology
The company has also deployed its proprietary methane detection technology known as AUSEA.
AUSEA allows for:
• High-precision methane detection
• Real-time emissions tracking
• Improved measurement accuracy compared to traditional methods
This technology strengthens the company’s ability to identify and fix emission sources quickly, helping reduce overall operational emissions.
Routine Gas Flaring Eliminated Since 2023
According to Bouyer, TotalEnergies eliminated routine gas flaring across all its Nigerian operations in 2023.
This marks a significant milestone in its emissions reduction programme. Gas flaring has historically been one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in upstream oil and gas operations in Nigeria.
Ending routine flaring significantly reduces both carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
Ubeta Gas Project: 300 Million Cubic Feet Per Day
A key part of TotalEnergies’ expansion strategy is the Ubeta Gas Project, recently sanctioned for development.
The project is expected to deliver up to:
• 300 million cubic feet of gas per day
The Ubeta project is aimed at:
• Expanding Nigeria’s gas supply
• Supporting domestic energy needs
• Strengthening upstream gas production
Several other projects are also under evaluation as the company seeks to maximize value from its existing onshore and offshore assets.
Five-Megawatt Solar Plant at OML 58
In a move blending conventional gas production with renewable energy, TotalEnergies plans to commission a five-megawatt solar power plant at OML 58.
The solar facility will:
• Supply electricity to the Ubeta Gas Project
• Reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-powered generation
• Lower operational emissions
The company says this approach positions the Ubeta development as one of the world’s first near-net-zero gas projects, combining gas output with clean energy integration.
Nigeria Competing for Upstream Investment
Bouyer emphasized that while Nigeria remains a key market within TotalEnergies’ global portfolio, it competes with other countries for upstream capital.
The company’s strategy focuses on:
• Expanding overall energy production
• Lowering carbon intensity
• Improving operational efficiency
• Attracting investment through responsible production
He noted that maximizing value from existing assets remains the immediate priority.
Stronger Partnerships with Indigenous Companies
TotalEnergies highlighted collaboration with Nigerian companies as critical to accelerating project timelines and unlocking broader economic value.
The company stressed that partnerships with indigenous operators will:
• Enhance local participation
• Improve execution speed
• Strengthen Nigeria’s energy ecosystem
Big Picture Takeaway
TotalEnergies’ latest moves signal a dual strategy:
• Expand gas production to support Nigeria’s energy demand
• Reduce operational emissions through advanced monitoring and renewable integration
By combining methane detection technology, zero routine flaring, and solar-powered gas infrastructure, the company is positioning itself for a lower-carbon upstream future while maintaining production growth.
The success of this strategy will likely influence how other operators in Nigeria balance energy expansion with environmental responsibility.
TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited has deployed advanced methane detection technologies and installed 2,500 Permanent Emission Monitoring Systems (PEMPs) across its Nigerian operations in a major push to curb emissions and lower its carbon footprint.
The announcement was made by the company’s Managing Director, Mathieu Bouyer, during a panel session at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the development
Large-Scale Methane Monitoring DeploymentTotalEnergies has rolled out 2,500 permanent emission monitoring systems across its facilities in Nigeria.
These systems are designed to:
• Continuously monitor methane emissions
• Detect leaks in real time
• Enable faster corrective action
• Improve transparency and environmental compliance
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and reducing fugitive emissions is considered one of the fastest ways to lower the carbon intensity of oil and gas operations.
Introduction of AUSEA Methane Detection TechnologyThe company has also deployed its proprietary methane detection technology known as AUSEA.
AUSEA allows for:
• High-precision methane detection
• Real-time emissions tracking
• Improved measurement accuracy compared to traditional methods
This technology strengthens the company’s ability to identify and fix emission sources quickly, helping reduce overall operational emissions.
Routine Gas Flaring Eliminated Since 2023According to Bouyer, TotalEnergies eliminated routine gas flaring across all its Nigerian operations in 2023.
This marks a significant milestone in its emissions reduction programme. Gas flaring has historically been one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions in upstream oil and gas operations in Nigeria.
Ending routine flaring significantly reduces both carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
Ubeta Gas Project: 300 Million Cubic Feet Per DayA key part of TotalEnergies’ expansion strategy is the Ubeta Gas Project, recently sanctioned for development.
The project is expected to deliver up to:
• 300 million cubic feet of gas per day
The Ubeta project is aimed at:
• Expanding Nigeria’s gas supply
• Supporting domestic energy needs
• Strengthening upstream gas production
Several other projects are also under evaluation as the company seeks to maximize value from its existing onshore and offshore assets.
Five-Megawatt Solar Plant at OML 58In a move blending conventional gas production with renewable energy, TotalEnergies plans to commission a five-megawatt solar power plant at OML 58.
The solar facility will:
• Supply electricity to the Ubeta Gas Project
• Reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-powered generation
• Lower operational emissions
The company says this approach positions the Ubeta development as one of the world’s first near-net-zero gas projects, combining gas output with clean energy integration.
Nigeria Competing for Upstream InvestmentBouyer emphasized that while Nigeria remains a key market within TotalEnergies’ global portfolio, it competes with other countries for upstream capital.
The company’s strategy focuses on:
• Expanding overall energy production
• Lowering carbon intensity
• Improving operational efficiency
• Attracting investment through responsible production
He noted that maximizing value from existing assets remains the immediate priority.
Stronger Partnerships with Indigenous CompaniesTotalEnergies highlighted collaboration with Nigerian companies as critical to accelerating project timelines and unlocking broader economic value.
The company stressed that partnerships with indigenous operators will:
• Enhance local participation
• Improve execution speed
• Strengthen Nigeria’s energy ecosystem
Big Picture Takeaway
TotalEnergies’ latest moves signal a dual strategy:
• Expand gas production to support Nigeria’s energy demand
• Reduce operational emissions through advanced monitoring and renewable integration
By combining methane detection technology, zero routine flaring, and solar-powered gas infrastructure, the company is positioning itself for a lower-carbon upstream future while maintaining production growth.
The success of this strategy will likely influence how other operators in Nigeria balance energy expansion with environmental responsibility.