Julius OkorieGas Flaring in Nigeria, which dates back to the 50s, will finally end in 2044, an energy expert has projected.
Group Project Manager, Asharami Energy, Wole Ajeigbe, who made the submission, said increasing demand for gas and various efforts being made to effectively channel it to better use is sure to end gas flaring. Getting there he however noted will take another 20 years.
According to him, demand for oil will rise by 30 per cent, natural gas 24 per cent, renewables 18.5 per cent, biomas 17 per cent, nuclear sources 1.6 per cent and coal 8.3 per cent in 2040.
“The nation is growing and that comes with increased demand for energy, and with new innovations being introduced all requiring the use of gas, flaring will become a thing of the past. It may not be immediate but at least in the next 20 years,” he said.
READ ALSO Sahara Group Backs Waste To Wealth In Sustainability Effort
Gas flaring is the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction. The practice has persisted from the beginning of oil production with its attendant health hazards.
Gas flaring emits hazardous pollutants. These include oxides of Nitrogen, Carbon and Sulphur, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and ash, photochemical oxidants, and hydrogen sulphide.
These pollutants medics say are associated with a variety of adverse health impacts, including cancer, neurological, reproductive and developmental effects. Deformities in children, lung damage and skin problems have also been reported.
But with increasing efforts by energy conglomerates like Sahara Group in the quest for cleaner energy and sustainability there are strong indications that hazards associated with oil exploration and energy generation will be overcome.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
