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68% of methane emissions stem from upstream facilities. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Industry

The energy sector presents the largest and most cost-effective opportunity for methane emissions reduction, with 68% of methane emissions stemming from upstream facilities, according to Momentick’s 2024 Methane Emissions Report

Momentick, a leading emissions intelligence company, which leverages the power of hyper and multispectral satellites to monitor GHG emissions on a planetary scale, detected emissions at 17% of the sites analysed, measuring a staggering 899 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions, with 10% of assets accounting for 50% of the emissions detected. The highest concentration of methane leaks was detected in Asia, Africa, and North America, while Europe recorded the fewest leaks.

Methane is a colourless, odourless gas, which requires highly sensitive instruments for detection. Methane leaks can manifest as both diffuse, small emissions and large, concentrated bursts, complicating the consistent identification of leaks. Environmental factors, such as wind, temperature, and terrain, further hinder accurate detection and measurement, as methane plumes disperse quickly, making it difficult to trace emissions back to their sources.

Unlike CO2, methane emission reductions have an almost immediate effect on slowing global warming as methane has a relatively short atmospheric lifespan compared to CO2. By urgently tackling methane emissions, the rate of warming could be slowed by as much as 30% before mid-century, according to Momentick.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that over 75% of the methane emissions in the oil and gas sector could be reduced today using existing technologies, while research conducted by JP Morgan has found that methane abatement is a cost-effective investment, revealing that up to 70% of the expenses associated with monitoring solutions can be offset by keeping methane in the pipe.

Addressing the issue of poor emissions data

The Momentick report notes that evolving regulations and financial incentives have highlighted the critical need to address the longstanding issue of poor emissions data, with accurate and reliable information needed for decision-makers to implement effective methane abatement strategies. The growing need for accurate and actionable emissions data is driving the expansion of space-based methane monitoring satellites, while advanced algorithmic software solutions are leveraging Earth observation satellites to enhance commercial applications and precise point-source methane detection. By analysing historical data captured by these satellites, researchers and decision-makers can track emission trends over time, gaining deeper insights for regulatory planning and climate action. Additionally, with cutting-edge developments in AI, satellite-based emissions data can now be processed in near real-time, delivering timely and actionable insights.

“2024 was an important year on the path to curbing methane emissions,” said Daniel Kashmir, CEO of Momentick in his Foreword to the report. “Governments committed billions to technological upgrades and research, while oil and gas operators accelerated progress towards their net-zero goals. Collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders across the energy sector, our team at Momentick encountered a strong commitment to action and eagerness to implement our emissions intelligence technology over the last year.

“We envision satellite-based emissions monitoring becoming central to corporate sustainability strategies during the energy transition. The integration of GHG monitoring and MRV practices will become a standard component of operations across industries. Backed by evolving regulations and growing adoption, these technologies will make net-zero goals truly achievable.”

The Seismic License provides Woodside ongoing rights to the PEL 87 3D seismic data. (Image source; Adobe Stock)

Geology & Geophysics

Pancontinental Energy NL has delivered the Seismic License for PEL 87 offshore Namibia to Woodside Energy following relevant approval from the Namibian authority

The Seismic License provides Woodside ongoing rights to the PEL 87 3D seismic data, the acquisition and processing of which was funded by it. While Pancontinental Orange Pty Ltd holds 75% operatorship in the PEL 87 Joint Venture, there is an exclusive scope for Woodside to derive over a 56% participating interest from Pancontinental’s shares. 

Pancontinental, on the other hand, has an option over a 1% participating interest to be derived from the 15% share exercised by Custos Investments (Pty) Ltd

The Seismic License delivery marks the origin of the 180 days-long Long Stop Date which is 18 May 2025, when Woodside Energy may exercise its option to farmin to PEL 87.

Orange Basin

Besides Pancontinental and Custos, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR) owns a 10% interest in the PEL 87 Joint Venture. 

PEL 87 belongs in the Orange Basin which keeps giving, with latest light oil discovery reported in March from Mopane in PEL 83

Leucipa will help optimise well performance. (Image source: Baker Hughes)

Technology

Energy technology company, Baker Hughes, has signed an agreement with NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture (JV) to deploy the Leucipa automated field production solution

Through this agreement, Leucipa will be implemented on the JV’s offshore operations in the Niger Delta, marking the first adoption of the system in sub-Saharan Africa.

The JV will utilise Leucipa’s core workflows to optimise well performance and enhance efficiency by automating functions including performance analysis, opportunity management and scorecards management. Real-time data provided by Leucipa will offer a more insightful view of optimization opportunities across their operations, resulting in enhanced decision making in the field.

"Leucipa is enhancing the oilfield to be smarter and more efficient, enabling our customers to maximise the value of their assets," said Amerino Gatti, executive vice president of Oilfield Services and Equipment at Baker Hughes. "Our collaboration with the NNPC/FIRST E&P JV in implementing Leucipa will support the responsible development of energy resources needed in sub-Saharan Africa for years to come."

The Leucipa automated field production solution assists oil and gas operators in proactively managing production and reducing carbon emissions. By focusing on the specific outcomes desired by operators, Leucipa utilises data to drive intelligent operations. Through the automation of production processes, Leucipa aims to minimise inefficiencies, ensure environmentally sound operations, and assist customers in recovering the millions of barrels that would otherwise remain untapped.

With a 100-year heritage of energy innovation, Baker Hughes is integrating digital solutions such as Leucipa with proven technologies to help customers achieve greater efficiency, extend asset life, and maximise returns. 

The acquisition in Algeria will enhance PTTEP’s petroleum reserves. (Image source: PTTEP)

Gas

PTTEP reported its operational performance for 2024, highlighting the successful production ramp-up of the G1/61 Project and its investment expansion in the UAE and Algeria

As part of international investment expansion, PTTEP acquired a 10% participating interest in the Ghasha Concession Project, one of the largest offshore natural gas fields in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with gas production set to commence in 2025. Additionally, in September 2024, PTTEP obtained government approval for the field development plan of the Abu Dhabi Offshore 2 Project and is on track to finalise the investment decision (FID) within this year.

In Algeria, PTTEP acquired a 34% of the share capital in E&E Algeria Touat B.V., with the transaction expected to be completed within 2025. Upon the completion, PTTEP will indirectly hold 22.1% investment in Touat Project, which is an onshore natural gas producing field with a production capacity of approximately 435 MMSCFD. This acquisition will immediately enhance the company’s revenue, sales volume, and petroleum reserves.

PTTEP is spearheading a digital revolution in the energy sector through the innovative DigitalX project. By harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the company has established a data-driven ecosystem that enhances exploration and production operations. Our standardised data foundation fosters greater integration and collaboration across all business units. The AI-driven X.brain engine empowers staff to make faster, more informed decisions. To fully capitalize on these advancements, the company is investing in the workforce, equipping them with the skills to become digital-savvy innovators who drive efficiency, cultivate creativity and accelerate task completion. PTTEP remains committed to leading technological advancements, leveraging digital solutions to unlock new opportunities.

Diesel, petrol and kerosene were delivered. (Image source: NNPC)

Downstream

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has restreamed the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), commencing crude oil processing from the plant for the delivery of petroleum products into the market

The NNPC group chief executive officer, Mele Kyari, announced the development, expressing his gratitude to all stakeholders involved, and marked the occasion as an era of energy independence and economic growth for the country.

Products delivered included premium motor spirit (PMS), automotive gas oil (AGO) and household kerosene (HHK), among others. 

The PHRC rehabilitation project, is an engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) project that is aimed at restoring the refinery to full functionality and renewal.

 

The event will delve into regional success stories. (Image source: EAECS)

Event News

The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit (EA-ECS), taking place 29-30 January in Arusha, Tanzania, will be uniting the region's energy independent poiwer producers (IPPs) and engineering, procurement, construction and financing contract (EPCF) stakeholders to discuss the region's investment potential and innovations taking place in the industry

The event will delve into the success stories, including the Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway, highlighting the role of cross-border collaboration for economic and social development.

Led by Ministers from across the EAC and large-scale energy users, over two days, the Arusha Summit will deep dive into opportunities for the private sector, advocating for a diversified energy mix to maintain grid stability to support major industrial growth, as well as C&I generation.

“Energy is a pillar for development and growth and is crucial for the functioning of the economies of the EAC Partner States. The East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit will serve as the ideal platform for advancing projects and bringing tangible changes in the industry,” said Andrea Malueth, deputy secretary general (Infrastructure, Productive, Social & Political Sectors), East African Community Secretariat.

“Ten years from now, the EAC’s middle classes will have more job stability, more opportunities, and more disposable income than ever before. New railways, industries, ports, and tourism will position the region as the number one investment destination globally, taking the title back from both parts of Asia and Latin America,” said Elisa Palmioli, producer, EnergyNet, which is organising the event. 

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