Dutch firm to turn flare gas to power, cooking gas in Rivers

Energy Ventures B.V., a Dutch energy firm, is tackling gas flaring in Rivers State, Nigeria, by transforming the waste gas into electricity and cooking gas. The company's CEO, Herbert Okibe, unveiled the project during an inspection of the Agbada 2 site in Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, and a visit to the PHED headquarters. The project aims to process about 5 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, currently being burned off the area.

The gas will be converted into electricity or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for distribution to nearby communities. The Agbada project, developed by Africa Gas Technology Company Limited, serves as a pilot for similar initiatives in Nigeria and other gas-flaring regions worldwide. Over 60 years, gas has been flared in the region, contributing to environmental pollution and health issues.

Okibe highlighted that Nigeria is among the top seven gas-flaring countries globally, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the problem. The project, estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars, is backed by both private and public-sector funding. The Federal Government's efforts to curb gas flaring through regulations and the Petroleum Industry Act were praised.

The Environmental Impact Assessment was completed, and regulatory approval was obtained from relevant authorities. Preliminary work, including fencing the site, has begun, with full construction set to commence upon obtaining the necessary construction permit.