By Chisom Ibemere
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and Stakeholder Development Network (SDN) has developed a satellite-based methane tracker to tackle oil spillage in Nigeria.
Team Lead, Stakeholder Development Network (SDN), Adam Heal disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday during a visit to the NOSDRA’s headquarters stated the satellite-based technology is an emerging technology used to identify hotspots where methane is emerging.
This he said will enable regulators like NOSDRA and other agencies to cooperate with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to help respond to emissions, resolve the problem, and reduce the impact on the environment.
Heal explained that methane is an incredibly important gas in terms of climate change adding that its impact on the environment is several times worse than carbon dioxide but if tackled, there are better chance of reaching long-term climate goals.
“Very notable tools have been produced till date, these are the oil spill monitor and the gas flare tracker, which we were delighted to play a part in co-developing with NOSDRA.
“And then most recently, we’ve been very happy to partner with NOSDRA to develop a prototype methane tracker for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. This was supported with funding from the government of the Netherlands.
“We developed a prototype, which has been shared with the team for their feedback. We are very much hoping now to mobilize further resources to take that prototype and to develop it into a fully usable tool to better control this important climate.”
Continuing, heal added that the phase one of the prototype has been completed hence looking forward to mobilizing resources and then delivering phase two and making sure they build a tool which is helpful for NOSDRA, researchers, and other partners in Nigeria, to better understand the main sources of methane and help Nigeria achieve its climate goals.
The Director General/Chief Executive Officer, NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke on his part stated that the agency is keen on promoting transparency and accountability in oil industry space hence supported initiatives in development of Nigerian oil spill monitor.
Lauding the initiative and the relationship with SDN, Woke noted that the prototype emitting tracker that has been developed has a long way in generating data from the platform, which is serving as an input to Nigerian carbon emission submission through the Department of Climate Change.
“This has helped the activities of oil and gas industry. So we have no reason not to continue our relationship with you. What you have done is to enhance our performance. We have a mandate, and our mandate is to ensure a clean environment in our ports, and collaboration has enhanced that performance, and so we continue.
“Whatever you think we can do, you are here in Nigeria. It is a relationship. And because it is a relationship, whatever you require from us, in order to also enhance your request to have further interface with other heads of departments, let me inform you that the request is granted.
“And I did mention a few of other tools that we have already developed jointly. And we believe that a continuous relationship with them will go a long way in delivering our mandate in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.” He added.