TotalEnergies SE has entered into an agreement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Co. Ltd. (NNPCL) to implement methane detection and monitoring solutions targeting oil and gas facilities in Nigeria. As part of this collaboration, TotalEnergies will share its innovative drone-based technology, AUSEA, with NNPCL. AUSEA, launched in 2017, features a dual sensor capable of detecting methane and carbon dioxide emissions while identifying their source.

This agreement marks NNPCL as the fourth national oil and gas company to engage in a partnership with TotalEnergies for the utilization of AUSEA. Earlier this month, TotalEnergies announced similar collaborations with oil and gas entities in Angola, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, further extending its AUSEA initiative beyond its own operated assets.

The announcement of the agreement with NNPCL followed a meeting between Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and TotalEnergies Chair and CEO Patrick Pouyanne. The discussions aimed to reaffirm the enduring partnership between TotalEnergies and Nigeria. In conjunction with the methane cooperation agreement, TotalEnergies proudly declared itself the first major hydrocarbon operator in Nigeria to eradicate routine flaring across all its operated assets.

Patrick Pouyanne, in a news release, stated, "TotalEnergies is pleased to announce the end of routine flaring in its operations in Nigeria and the sharing of our in-house AUSEA technology with NNPCL, concretely supporting NNPCL to deliver the commitment taken at COP28 by endorsing the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter." The company demonstrated its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Simultaneously, TotalEnergies unveiled plans for over $6 billion in potential investments in Nigeria in the coming years. This significant commitment underscores the company's confidence in the Nigerian market and its dedication to fostering economic growth and development in the region.

TotalEnergies' initiative comes on the heels of its British competitor, Shell PLC, announcing a $6 billion investment in Nigeria. The bulk of Shell's investment is earmarked for the expansion of the Bonga oil field project, demonstrating the industry's focus on sustainable development and growth in the Nigerian energy sector.

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed the country's commitment to resolving investment-related issues, emphasizing their determination to make Nigeria an attractive destination for large-scale investment across key sectors. The President shared insights into Shell's planned investments, which include substantial commitments to the gas value chain and a significant investment opportunity in the Bonga North project.

This positive momentum in the Nigerian energy sector follows Equinor ASA's decision to exit Nigeria, as announced in November. Equinor divested all its assets, including its stake in the Agbami oil field, to Chappal Energies Mauritius Ltd., as part of its strategic decision to focus on core areas.

TotalEnergies' collaboration with NNPCL, the elimination of routine flaring, and the substantial investment commitments highlight the industry's resilience and determination to navigate challenges, contributing to Nigeria's position as a hub for significant investments in key sectors. The engagements with NNPCL and Shell, along with TotalEnergies' pioneering efforts in emission reduction, showcase a collective commitment to sustainable and responsible practices in the Nigerian energy landscape.