Leveraging Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) for Emission Reduction in Nigeria

Introduction:

As one of Africa’s largest oil producing countries, Nigeria finds itself at the crossroads of climate threat and development. Nigeria, which is undoubtedly rich in human and natural resources has enormous engagements with fossil fuels, particularly crude and natural gas. While this has been the cornerstone for the country’s economic sustenance, it has deteriorated the continent’s climate space over the past decades because of the large generation of greenhouse gas emissions from oil drilling and processing. In an era where the world is jointly attempting to combat carbon emissions for a safer climate, Nigeria must align itself with the global pan moving forward.

One of the best ways to effect this alignment is through the adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a complex web of technologies that help contain carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions directly from the flue stacks and underground storage. Amid the global controversies on the best way to mitigate these emissions, CCS stands as the most realistic option. Although it’s short-term based for states like Nigeria, it’s viable and is capable of producing results upon implementation. This article investigates how Nigeria can use CCS as an option to turn a population that is growing in emissions into a key step in its emissions reductions and ongoing developmental plans.

Understanding CCS

Carbon Capture and Storage is pure science and a promise. It can be easily mistaken for a futuristic sci-fi concept but is actually real. This pragmatic process pans out in three main stages:

1. Capture – CO₂ is removed from the emissions generated in industrial processes like power generation or cement production.

• Transport — The CO₂ is compressed and transported, typically through pipelines.

• Storage – Finally, the CO₂ is injected into deep underground rock formations, such as saline aquifers or depleted oil fields, where it is securely stored.

Around the world, CCS has been implemented in countries including Norway, Canada, and Australia. Norway’s Sleipner Project has been operating since 1996, storing more than 20 million tonnes of CO₂ below the North Sea. If these are possible in Europe, then they are also possible in African countries like Nigeria, especially where the country’s geology is suited to storing CO₂.

Nigeria’s Emission Profile and CSS Opportunities

Nigeria is among the highest gas-flaring countries in the world and Africa’s biggest crude producer. Nigeria flared in 2022 alone roughly 7.8 billion cubic meters of gas, according to the World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR). This adds to financial losses as well as environmental damages; natural gas meant to fuel homes and businesses is burned into the atmosphere. Unconditionally,  Nigeria’s obligations under the Paris Agreement and its revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) seek to lower GHG emissions by 20 percent and conditionally by 47% till 2030. Getting these goals without sacrificing energy access or economic growth is a subtle juggling act—and CCS has the potential to help to strike this balance.

Nigeria has been a player in the subsurface field for a while. From decades of oil exploration and production the country has accumulated technical expertise and subsurface data which can be put to use in the development of CCS. Also the Niger Delta Basin which hosts large scale oil and gas activity is geologically a good fit for CO2 storage.

Several areas will see benefits from CCS roll out, and this include:

• Oil and Gas: CCS may play a role in the reduction of emissions from early stage operations and also in the minimization of natural gas processing and flaring.

• Cement and Steel Manufacturing: These tough to abate sectors can adopt CCS to decarbonize without stopping production.

• Energy Transition: CCS can support the transition of traditional fossil fuels to renewable sources by decarbonizing them.

With opportunities like this harnessed, Nigeria will not only reduce emissions but also become a regional hub for CO2 storage, which they open up to neighboring countries and in the process position themselves as climate solution leaders in Africa.

Challenges 

The potential exists yet numerous challenges require resolution before progress can be made:

1. The implementation of CCS requires substantial financial investment. The construction of an individual facility demands financial investments reaching several hundred million dollars. The proposition faces significant challenges in a nation plagued by ongoing infrastructural deficits and persistent poverty.

2. The absence of effective regulatory and legal structures creates a policy vacuum in Nigeria which hampers CCS development. The legal frameworks surrounding CO₂ liability along with storage rights and monitoring require definitive clarification.

3. The public and political comprehension of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies remains in an embryonic stage. The lack of broad awareness causes CCS to become misinterpreted and neglected.

4. The oil and gas sector demonstrates technological expertise while other industries struggle with technical preparedness to incorporate CCS into their operations.

5. The absence of definitive policy direction combined with a lack of financial incentives causes private investors to hesitate before committing funds to CCS projects in Nigeria.

 Strategies for CCS Implementation

To make this vision real, Nigeria needs a solid plan. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Create a CCS Roadmap: Like the Renewable Energy Master Plan, Nigeria should come up with a National CCS Strategy that includes timelines, targets for different sectors, and plans to integrate it all.

2. Amend Existing Laws: The laws around the environment and petroleum need to be updated to include CCS operations, especially in terms of land use and monitoring storage in the long run.

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The government can partner with international oil companies, development banks, and climate funds to share costs. For instance, projects under the Green Climate Fund could incorporate CCS elements.

4. Capacity Building: It’s important to train local engineers, geologists, and policymakers on the best practices for CCS. Universities and research institutions should also focus on studying and simulating CCS systems that fit Nigeria’s geology.

5. Pilot Projects: Starting small is key. A pilot CCS facility in the Niger Delta could provide valuable data and help build confidence for larger projects in the future.

Consider CCS not only a carbon tool—the bridge. The bridge of where Nigeria stands today (fossil fuel-centric economy) to where she should be (clean, diversified economy). The truth is that Nigeria cannot just turn away from fossil fuels. It can decarbonize existing systems and develop the green replacements of tomorrow. Also CCS is a Pandora box for new economics:

• Employment in engineering, geology, project Management & environmental monitoring

• Technology Transfer and innovation through collaboration with world-class CCS pioneers.

• Nigeria climate diplomacy as the continent sets its eyes on mitigation technologies with an African coming out party.

Conclusion:

Nigeria is at such an urgent development moment. The choices made today will mold not just the nation’s climate future but also that of millions more across the West African region. As global climate action surges forward, Nigeria is one country that cannot afford to sit still on the sidelines.

Carbon Capture and Storage is no magic solution, but it is a potent tool in Nigeria’s climate-change arsenal. With the proper mix of policy, finance, education, and ambition, CCS can help Nigeria achieve its climate goals and still meet its economically driven outcomes. Ignoring CCS means postponing the inescapable. Embracing it means walking with assurance toward a sustainable future—one where Nigeria does not just continue to thrive economically but also lives up to its environmental and ethical responsibilities.

Mr. Oluwasegun Onasanya is a seasoned oil and gas professional with extensive experience in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Currently serving with one of the leading multinational oil corporations (Chevron), he has built a reputation not just for operational excellence but also for his insightful commentary on industry trends. Recognized as a thought leader in the energy space, Mr. Onasanya is passionate about driving innovation and efficiency in the sector.

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