In a strategic move reflecting the global energy transition, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), has announced its diversification into the field of renewable energy, with its research program.
Tina Isichie, director of research & development, PTI stated this while briefing journalists on the Institute’s forthcoming ‘International Conference on Hydrocarbons, Science and Technology (ICHST) 2025’ in Abuja on Monday.
Isichie explaining that the Institute is mindful of global energy transition drive, also argued that the issue of fossil fuels being set aside by 2050 or 2060 is a mirage, adding that most industries still rely on other bye products from fossil fuels.
“To start with, the issue of fossil fuels being set aside by 2050 or 2060 is a mirage. And I say that because fossil fuels have come to stay. So it’s not just about fuels, whether it’s the emission of fuel or gasoline or kerosene and all that. There are other aspects that come from fuel, even our pharmaceuticals. So we can’t completely abandon them.
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“Now, there are technologies that are in place to reduce emissions. And what we are discussing at this conference is that we are not abandoning our shores, but we are looking at how we can explore our hydrocarbons in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not endangered at the end of the day.
“Now, talking about technologies to be able to do that, one of that that has been talked about world over now is what you call the carbon capture utilization and storage, which means that you capture the carbon and then you see what you can use it for. Now, while that can be done on a pilot scale in a laboratory, but to be able to scale it will require quite a lot of money to do that. And we are partnering with other agencies for research in that area to see how we can reduce our carbon footprint.
“And also to let you know that in PTI, it’s not just about petroleum, we are mindful of the energy transition and we’re also doing researches on renewable energy,” she said.
The 4th Biennial international conference scheduled for next week with the theme:’Transforming Africa’s hydrocarbon sector, balancing growth, environment and governance’ is expected to host oil and gas industry players, government and academia.
In his remarks, Samuel Onoji, chief executive, PTI insisted that with an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600tcf of natural gas reserves, Africa should not hasten to abandon its fossil fuel.
For him, there is need for African leaders to strive to deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilization of its oil and gas endowment in a more environmentally friendly manner.
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He explained that the reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.
He said, “As the world grapples with energy transition utilization of fossil fuels to cleaner and more environmentally friendly sources of energy, the Petroleum Training Institute through this conference has taken a bold step to kick-start research and development effort that takes cognizance of the peculiarity of African’s hydrocarbon situation.
“Today, we are confronted with the stark reality that only a few African countries have been able to master certain aspect of oil production technology and fabricate key machineries for the industry. Thus, this conference intends to focus on research in these key areas to develop local content capacity in oil technology.
“The ICHST will also provide the platform to nurture the next generation of energy professionals, offering students and young researchers opportunity to interact and grow their competencies.”
