FG Seeks to Raise Domestic Gas Supply Capacity
The federal government has said it is pursuing aggressive growth in domestic gas supply capacity from the current 1.7bscfd to 5bscfd, in the medium term.
This growth was anticipated to come from seven critical gas development projects.
The Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, unveiled government’s gas plan at the inauguration of Egbaoma Gas Processing Plant (EGPP), Ebedei community in Ukwani Local Government area of Delta State.
He disclosed that the gas pipeline infrastructure network system was equally being expanded, adding that, “this expansion includes the Obiafu-Obrikom to Oben (OB3) gas pipeline which is less than 5km to Egbaoma Gas Plant and can serve as a major evacuation artery of the dry gas produced from the plant to the market.”
Baru said the critical 2bscfd capacity OB3 gas pipeline was expected to be completed by the end of second quarter, noting that “we are aware that within 50km from the processing plant and the OB3 pipeline lies proven reserves of 1Tcf from News cross Petroleum, Pillar Oil, Chorus Energy and Summit Oil that can support a 150mmscfd gas processing hub.”
He, therefore, urged operators whose assets were close to the PNG Gas Limited and the OB3 pipeline to collaborate and supply gas to maximise the plant’s capacity, access and com- mercialise all existing flares and further develop the significant gas reserves of 1Tcf in the area.
The NNPC boss commended the Chairman of Owel-Linkso, Engr Charles Osezua, promoter of the Gas Train and a Director in PNG Gas Limited, for his drive for the development of the nation’s gas sector.
Osezua, in his address said the PNG Gas plant was capable of producing 35 million litres of LPG and 34 million litres of Propane daily and has provided over 500 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians with 60 percent of them from the Niger Delta.
He said the dream of the management of PNG Gas Limited was to produce 150 million litres of LPG daily. This, he however said was limited to 35 million litres for now, saying the company was working assiduously to expand the plant.
Osezua, urged the NNPC to create conducive environment for investors in the gas sector to achieve the federal government’s objective of reducing gas flaring in the country.