Algeria and Nigeria lead Africa’s methane reduction potential

LONDON (MNTV) – Algeria and Nigeria offer the largest opportunities in Africa for reducing methane emissions from oil and gas operations through cost-effective technologies, according to a new study released by environmental consultancy Carbon Limits for the Clean Air Task Force.

The report examined methane reduction potential in six African countries — Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Libya and Nigeria — and found that significant emissions cuts could be achieved using currently available technologies, although costs and implementation challenges vary widely depending on local conditions.

Researchers assessed measures including leak detection and repair programs, vapor recovery systems, improved flaring management and the replacement of gas-powered equipment with cleaner alternatives.

According to the study, deploying the full range of mitigation measures could substantially reduce methane emissions across all countries examined. 

Leak detection and repair programs alone could prevent more than 1.1 million tons of methane emissions annually, with some countries potentially achieving net financial savings through the sale of recovered gas.

Algeria was identified as having the largest methane reduction potential among the countries studied. 

Researchers estimated that more than 40% of the country’s methane emissions from the oil and gas sector could be addressed through available technologies, resulting in annual reductions of approximately 935,000 tons of methane.

The report noted that Algeria faces growing pressure to strengthen methane controls as the European Union prepares to extend methane-related regulations to imported gas beginning in 2027.

Nigeria ranked second in emissions reduction potential, with researchers estimating that more than 530,000 tons of methane could be eliminated annually. 

The study highlighted Nigeria’s existing regulatory framework and noted that improved gas utilization could help offset mitigation costs while reducing routine flaring.

Libya also showed substantial opportunities for emissions reductions, although the report identified security concerns, infrastructure limitations and logistical challenges as major barriers to implementation.

In Angola, the effectiveness and cost of methane reduction efforts were found to depend heavily on the ability to commercialize recovered gas. Researchers estimated annual emissions reductions of nearly 200,000 tonnes through currently available technologies.

Egypt could reduce roughly one-third of its oil and gas methane emissions, according to the report, with recent policy developments suggesting stronger regulatory oversight may emerge in the future.

While Ghana’s overall emissions are lower than those of larger producers, the report said emerging carbon market initiatives could create additional incentives for methane reduction projects and encourage further investment.

The study concluded that established technologies already offer significant opportunities to reduce methane pollution across Africa’s energy sector. 

Researchers emphasized, however, that stronger regulations, improved infrastructure and greater access to financing will be necessary to accelerate implementation and achieve reductions at scale.

The findings support previous assessments by the International Energy Agency, which estimates that nearly 70% of methane emissions from the fossil fuel industry could be eliminated using technologies already available today.