PTI warns Africa against rushing energy transition
Nigeria’s Petroleum Training Institute urged African nations on Friday to maintain oil production while developing cleaner extraction methods rather than abandoning fossil fuel reserves. Chief Executive Samuel Onoji said the continent holds 125 billion barrels of crude oil and 600 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, enough to meet global demand for decades.
The Effurun-based school is researching carbon capture technology and renewable energy systems ahead of its hydrocarbon conference in Abuja. Research Director Tina Isichie said achieving zero emissions by 2060 remains unrealistic because petroleum provides raw materials for pharmaceuticals and chemicals beyond transportation fuels.
The institute reduced gas flaring to 7 percent of production through field recycling and liquefied natural gas refinement. Officials said carbon credit programs offer another path to lower atmospheric releases from drilling operations.
Onoji announced the biannual gathering will examine policies for sustainable resource development across Africa’s energy sector. Scientists and industry executives will present research on balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
