The African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) concluded its roundtable on gas flaring and fugitive methane emissions, with industry stakeholders committing to address environmental challenges through collaborative efforts, strict regulations, and advanced technologies.
The two-day event in Accra, co-hosted by the Petroleum Commission, united delegates and experts from diverse sectors such as hydrocarbons ministries, national oil companies, industry regulators, and academia.
Under the theme “Towards Zero Routine Gas Flaring and Lower Methane Emissions in APPO Member Countries’ Oil and Gas Operations,” the roundtable aimed to deepen dialogue among APPO member countries and industry stakeholders.
The conversations revolved around recent advancements and tactics to reduce regular gas flaring and methane emissions, which have substantial implications for climate change and economic losses resulting from resource wastage.
Following the roundtable, APPO released an 11-point Communique on behalf of the attendees, reiterating the dedication to addressing the issues of gas flaring and fugitive methane emissions.
The primary results and strategic pledges from the roundtable are outlined as follows:
Environmental and Economic Impacts:
Delegates acknowledged the significant environmental damage and economic losses due to routine gas flaring and methane emissions. They emphasized the necessity for improved environmental practices to align with APPO’s strategic objectives and the potential for optimizing resource use.
Commitment to Reduction Efforts:
Participants committed to adopting stricter regulations, best practices, preventive maintenance, and investing in technologies to capture and utilize associated gas. They agreed on a zero-tolerance policy for gas flaring in new projects and mandated facilities for utilizing produced gas in ongoing operations.
Energy Accessibility:
The roundtable underscored the importance of utilizing all available natural gas resources to enhance energy availability and accessibility on the continent, thereby supporting economic growth and development.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:
Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts, participants advocated for workshops, training programs, joint projects, and the development of common strategies to address gas flaring and methane emissions effectively.
Policy and Regulatory Frameworks:
The necessity for robust policy and regulatory frameworks was highlighted, with commitments to review, monitor, and enforce policies aligned with global best practices.
Research and Development:
Participants recommended strengthening ties between industry, regulators, and academia to support research initiatives focused on innovative solutions for reducing emissions, ensuring academic curricula remain relevant to industry needs.
Monitoring and Reporting Progress:
APPO members recognized that establishing robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms was deemed crucial. This includes setting measurable targets, regular reporting, and third-party verification to track progress in emission reduction efforts.
Infrastructure Investment:
The delegates also agreed on the critical role of host governments in developing infrastructure to utilize associated gas effectively, thereby minimizing flaring and maximizing economic benefits.
Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement:
The importance of raising public awareness and engaging stakeholders, including local communities and NGOs, was recognized as vital for transparent communication and inclusive dialogue.
Shared Responsibility:
The roundtable concluded that both governments and oil and gas companies share the primary responsibility for investing in emission-reducing technologies. A combination of performance-based and prescriptive regulations was recommended to enforce compliance with emission targets
Establishment of Regional Centers of Excellence:
The APPO Member Countries (MCs) agreed to establish Regional Centers of Excellence as part of APPO efforts to boost R&D and develop the regional oil and gas industry on the back of indigenous knowledge and innovation.