Concerns about alleviating the adverse effects of climate change have prompted TotalEnergies to commit to reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its oil and gas facilities by 40% by 2030.

Announcing this pledge during the inaugural session of the 41st NAPE annual International conference and exhibition in Lagos, Mathieu Bouyer, the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Limited, revealed that by 2030, the company aims for an energy mix comprising 50% gas, 30% petroleum products, 15% electricity, and 5% biomass and hydrogen.

Bouyer further guaranteed that by the conclusion of 2023, TotalEnergies would put an end to routine flaring at all its facilities in the country.

He stated, "We are intensifying the solarization of energy sources in our facilities and host communities in Nigeria. Progressing from a modest generation of 0.12MW in 2021 to 0.55MWp in 2023, we have set a target of 9.4MWp by the end of 2025. Our aim is to eliminate routine flaring at our installations in Nigeria by the close of 2023."

Elaborating on the energy transition journey, he acknowledged the pivotal role of natural gas. Gas, he explained, generates only half the greenhouse gas emissions of coal for electricity generation, emits fewer greenhouse gases than oil for equivalent energy quality, and in its liquefied form (LNG), provides similar ease of storage and transport.

"For over a century, oil and gas have fueled socio-economic activities worldwide. However, it has become evident that the unintended repercussions of unregulated and unsustainable production, processing, and utilization of fossil fuels exceed previous assessments. Leading among these undesirable outcomes is global warming, with its myriad manifestations. As a result, society is actively discouraging the generation and utilization of energy sources with high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and substantial carbon footprints, while advocating for cleaner and renewable energy alternatives."