Bayelsa State Teams Up with US Firm to Reduce Gas Flaring

The Bayelsa State Government has announced a partnership with Fulcrum LNG Incorporated, a US-based energy company, to tackle gas flaring and enhance power supply to industries in the state. This agreement was made during the US-Nigeria Governors Government-to-Business Forum on Energy, Mining, and Infrastructure held in Sugar Land, Texas.

The project will be developed in phases. The first phase focuses on collecting and commercializing gas that is currently being flared. This gas will supply the state’s Independent Power Plant and support new industrial areas. The second phase will expand the project to better utilize Bayelsa’s gas reserves.

Fulcrum LNG’s Chief Executive Officer, Jesus Bronchalo, mentioned that the company will conduct a field study to assess the gas flare sites in Bayelsa. This study will help determine what technology and infrastructure are needed to address the flaring issue. Bronchalo noted that some flare sites might be too remote or unprofitable to gather gas effectively.

He explained that the company will fully fund the project but added that the Bayelsa government could invest in it if it wishes to own a part of the project. The exact investment needed will be decided after the feasibility study, which the company aims to complete within a year.

Governor Douye Diri described the partnership as beneficial for both the environment and the state’s industrial growth. He emphasized the importance of reducing pollution from gas flaring while advancing Bayelsa’s industrial plans. Diri also highlighted that Bayelsa holds a significant portion of Nigeria’s gas reserves and is a major supplier to Nigeria LNG Limited.

The forum that facilitated this partnership included representatives from several Nigerian states and various American energy and finance companies. It aimed to foster collaboration in energy and infrastructure development.