The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced a 96% reduction in gas flaring at the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields, managed jointly with First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited.

This was disclosed in a statement NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, on Thursday.

Soneye stated that this milestone was achieved through an Associated Gas (AG) reinjection strategy, which stores excess gas in an underground reservoir at the Madu field offshore Bayelsa State instead of flaring it.

The statement read, “The NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited Joint Venture has successfully achieved 96 per cent reduction in routine flaring of associated gas from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.

“This remarkable milestone was attained through the implementation of an AG reinjection strategy into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field, situated in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State. The initiative ensures that gas, which would have otherwise been flared, is now safely stored, significantly mitigating environmental impact.”

Soneye stated that the company’s gas flaring reduction efforts align with Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally.

“The reduction in AG flaring aligns with the regulatory framework set forth by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, underscoring the JV’s compliance with national environmental standards and global best practices,” he added.

The NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari said that this achievement underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable development.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices,” he said.

The MD/CEO of FIRST E&P, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero added, “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”

The joint venture is focused on commercializing stored gas and other stranded resources in the Niger Delta, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and clean energy solutions.

The 2024 Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report by the World Bank identifies Nigeria and eight other countries as the top contributors to global gas flaring, responsible for 75% of the world’s flared gas.