The Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited, Engr. Effiong Okon has emphasised the importance of leveraging technology across the energy value chain. This, he said, is required by every nation seeking to navigate its way through the energy trilemma, which include energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
In his presentation at the 2024 Seplat Technology Energy’s 4.0 Summit, themed ‘Leveraging Technology Across the Energy Value Chain to Unlock Transformational Potential’, Okon centred his discussion on the Evolving Energy Landscape, the Case of Technology and Technology and Septat.
He explained: “The world is witnessing unprecedented changes in energy demand and supply, driven by rapid population growth and economic development. The close historic relationship between global economic growth and fossil fuel demand, however, is being disrupted by climate change concerns and the emergence of a new clean energy economy. Each of the three fossil fuels are expected to peak before 2030. In summary, a confluence of several powerful forces is rapidly disrupting the global energy landscape”.
On the Case of Technology, ANOH Gas helmsman said: “To resolve the challenges posed by the energy trilemma, there is a need for continuous deployment of suitable technologies that will drive the supply of clean and reliable energy whilst having a minimal ecological footprint. In other words, technological advancements are essential for meeting evolving energy needs while addressing environmental concerns. And indeed, technological advancements in renewables, energy storage, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and digitalization are already disrupting the traditional energy model”.
In the case of Technology and Seplat, Okon said: “With a commitment to playing a leading role in the energy transition, and in line with its purpose, vision, and mission, Seplat is on a technology journey, leveraging digital technology to transform operations and deliver on its key expectations”.
According to the MD, a lot still needed to be done around digitalisation as its absence in work procedures typically lead to significant manual effort, proneness to human error, low level of cross-discipline collaboration, low productivity and higher operational costs, and high level of knee-jerk reactions.
According to him, the areas of interest for the deployment of technology to drive transformation and foster growth within the energy sphere included:
“Efficient analysis of seismic data using AI for more targeted resource exploration and minimising environmental impact.
“Automation in drilling increases speed, ensuring safer working conditions for personnel and minimising the environmental footprint of extraction processes.
“Application of advanced reservoir characterization methods to mature reservoirs
“Big data and analytics provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making, enhancing agility and responsiveness.
“Minimisation of crude theft and losses”.
He highlighted the vital role of technology in helping Seplat deliver on its key expectations. “Considering that Seplat’s assets are predominantly brownfield assets, their development is typically fraught with concerns such as safety, cost overruns, asset integrity, declining production, and increasing water production. Seplat also has significant reserves in shallow fields with heavy crude and small layered reservoirs. Developing these reservoirs requires the deployment of specific technologies to unlock value safely, economically, and sustainably”, he said.
According to him, Seplat has risen to the task and it is on a transformative journey. He then outlined several strategic initiatives and case studies showcasing real-world examples to illustrate Seplat’s approach and how technology has transformed Seplat’s operations. These included: Leak Detection and Repair technology, remote wellhead sensors deployed on wellheads for pressure monitoring, automation of production chemical injection using AGORA pump solution, 3D immersive Virtual Reality Clone of the facility to train operators, Artificial Intelligence for predictive analysis, and incinerator technology to ensure complete combustion of very low-pressure flared gas.
He also explained the Triple Helix innovation model Innovation and Local Content Development, which is a comprehensive approach that leverages the strengths of academia, industry, and government to foster innovation and address complex innovation challenges.
Okon stated that the industry is undergoing significant changes, and technology is a critical enabler of this transformation. Africa, with its vast fossil fuel reserves, has a unique path in this energy transition.
Citing Seplat Energy Plc’s dedication in utilising technology to drive sustainable growth through innovation and efficiency while ensuring responsible operations that minimise environmental impact to deliver a secure, clean energy future, he called on other oil and gas companies to follow suit.
He further said: “By leveraging technology across the entire energy value chain, we can unlock a future of secured, affordable and sustainable energy solution, low carbon energy systems, enhanced efficiency and productivity, increased innovation and agility, and data-driven decision making”.
