By Yemi Olakitan
The Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila has predicted that as demand rises and because of a quickening rate of population growth and economic expansion, natural gas will play an important role in Africa’s energy mix.
During a strategic session at the just finished 2023 Gastech Exhibition and Conference in Singapore, Dr. Mshelbila delivered these remarks about Africa’s role in boosting supply resilience in the context of the energy transition.
By boosting gas production, which ensures a consistent supply source despite increased domestic consumption, and by encouraging the rise of floating which makes it possible for gas products to be delivered quickly to the market, he claimed that African gas can improve global energy security.
The NLNG CEO emphasised the importance of taking a multifaceted approach to the energy transition while taking into account Africa’s unique context and changing needs. He also noted that the continent is already taking advantage of energy transition opportunities by using gas as an evolutionary energy source.
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He emphasised that switching to cleaner fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can cut emissions by as much as 48%.
As an illustration, he used Nigeria, where the government aggressively encourages the use of CNG in the transportation sector in order to increase petrol utilisation and spur development in a variety of businesses.
Dr. Mshelbila further mentioned that Africa is taking full advantage of chances in the expanding LNG market by raising its production capacity to significantly boost global supply.
The continent’s importance to the world’s energy security is further cemented by the output of gas set to increase in Africa, he continued.
“Algeria and Nigeria, which hold at least 55% of the continent’s gas reserves, continue to be the continent’s two largest gas markets. Though exciting new gas markets are developing all over the continent, he noted that LNG projects in Mozambique, Senegal, the Congo, and Tanzania were particularly noteworthy.
Dr. Mshelbila added that initiatives are being made to create inter-regional gas supply pipes to make it easier for gas resources to be transported from West Africa to North Africa and beyond, thereby fostering intercontinental trade.
