A large number of Africa’s current gas production fields are in decline according to the Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk.
The State of African Energy 2024 Report from the African Energy Chamber quotes Ayuk as saying that “The gas producing fields on the continent are rapidly coming to an end of their useful lifespan,” according to The PUNCH.
The head of the African Economic Community urged African states to investigate its gas resources, warning that if they don’t, 600 million Africans may face energy poverty.
He said that “In order for Africa to advance and increase its output of natural gas from 268 billion cubic metres, gas producers would need to keep extracting from their current fields while nations that have made discoveries would need to bring their unfinished projects to the fore front quickly.
Many of Africa’s current gas production fields, particularly those in the north and west, are mature or in decline, meaning they are soon nearing the end of their productive life’, he feared, explaining why the situation was urgent.
Up to 2025, Nigeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea would produce 85% of the gas produced in the West African area, according to Ayuk.
“After then, the percentage of petrol will progressively drop to 75% by 2030, 70% by 2035, and 60% by 2040. New projects must come online in order to prevent an output stall, even though these fields are thought to be essential for sustained production,” he said.
Senegal, Mauritania, Angola, Ghana, South Africa, Namibia, and the Ivory Coast have all announced significant new gas discoveries in recent years. However, Ayuk expressed hope that “These discoveries would remain untapped potential unless African governments and gas producers work together swiftly to create workable plans to capitalize on these enormous new resources.
“He said that Africa may exploit its tremendous natural gas potential by boosting output from the current gas resources and exploring new pre-final investment decision projects.
“He continued by saying that with the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project, Nigeria intended to expand its LNG infrastructure capacity from the current 22 million metric tonnes per year to 30mmtpa.”
“In order to guarantee quick turnaround times between hydrocarbon discoveries and FID, African governments must make every effort to remove any burdensome red tape. If not, their nations will lose out on the significant advantages that come with having abundant natural gas resources.
“Over 600 million Africans experience energy poverty on a daily basis, while being on a continent endowed with an abundance of undiscovered natural gas resources. It is feasible to improve the lives of these people, industrialize their economies, construct gas-to-power plants, generate employment, and supply energy for clean cooking by utilizing our abundant hydrocarbon resource, Ayuk stated.
“Utilize the unique and lucrative opportunities natural gas offers, monetize your gas, grow your economies, and allow your people access to energy and a decent standard of living, urging African leaders to act in the best interests of their people,” he urged.
