The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is preparing its members for decarbonization amid global energy transition pressures. It emphasized the need to decarbonize fossil fuels for Africa’s development and criticized Nigeria’s gas waste due to poor infrastructure. SPE also warned that skilled labor migration is weakening local industrial capacity.SPE Africa Director, Engr Riverson Oppong, emphasized the need for technology to reduce the oil and gas industry’s carbon footprint amid resilient global demand.
Speaking at the Oilda Fireside Chat in Lagos, he noted a shift from energy transition to energy transformation, focusing on decarbonization. He highlighted increasing production pressure as African governments seek to maximize economic benefits from petroleum resources.Engr Riverson Oppong urged industry professionals to develop decarbonization technologies. He praised Ghana’s zero-gas-waste approach and criticized Africa’s gas wastage, calling for rapid industrialization.
He emphasized that petroleum remains crucial for Africa’s energy security, as green energy technology is not yet sufficient for industrial growth.Engr Oppong noted that solar and wind remain unreliable for industrial power needs. He urged African nations to prioritize local petroleum use over exports for industrial growth.
To address skills flight and innovation, SPE Africa is forming an expert advisory board to drive cost-effective decarbonization, including carbon capture for reservoir engineering.Engr Oppong highlighted SPE’s efforts to bridge skill gaps through over 600 virtual learning events for professionals and the “Energy 4 Me” program for students.
He noted that SPE’s “PetroWiki” receives over a million daily visits. He blamed youth emigration on leadership failures, warning of its impact on Africa’s talent pool.
