Project Abstract

Abstract
Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas as a byproduct of oil extraction, is a widespread practice in the oil and gas industry. While it is often seen as a necessary evil due to technical and economic constraints, gas flaring has significant environmental implications. This research project aims to explore the effects of gas flaring on the environment, focusing on air quality, climate change, and human health. The combustion of natural gas during flaring releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, which can have serious health effects on nearby populations. Furthermore, the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane during gas flaring contributes to global warming and climate change. The environmental impacts of gas flaring are not limited to air pollution and climate change. The practice also has implications for local ecosystems and wildlife. The light and heat from gas flares can disrupt the behavior of nocturnal animals and affect plant growth. Additionally, the release of toxic pollutants can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to further environmental degradation. In addition to its environmental effects, gas flaring can also have social and economic impacts on nearby communities. The noise, light, and air pollution from gas flaring can negatively impact the quality of life for residents living in the vicinity of flaring sites. Furthermore, the loss of natural gas through flaring represents a waste of valuable resources that could otherwise be used for energy production or other purposes. Addressing the environmental impact of gas flaring requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes technological solutions to reduce flaring, such as capturing and utilizing the gas that would otherwise be flared. Policy interventions, such as regulations and incentives to reduce flaring, are also essential to mitigating the environmental effects of the practice. Additionally, raising awareness among industry stakeholders and the general public about the consequences of gas flaring is crucial for promoting sustainable practices in the oil and gas sector. Overall, this research project aims to deepen our understanding of the environmental implications of gas flaring and identify strategies to mitigate its negative effects. By addressing the environmental impact of gas flaring, we can work towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious oil and gas industry.

Project Overview

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The impact of gas flaring is of local and global concern. Gas flaring is one of the most challenging energy and environmental problems facing the world today whether regionally or globally. It is a multi-billion dollar waste, a local environmental catastrophe and a global energy and environmental problem which had persisted for decades. The World Bank has estimated that the annual volume of associated gas being flared and vented is about 110 billion cubic meters, which is enough fuel to providing the combined annual natural gas consumption of Germany and France. Flaring in Africa is about thirty seven billion cubic meters in the year 2000, which could produce 200 Terawatt hours (Twh) of electricity. And which is also about 50% of the cement power consumption of the African continent and more than twice the level of power consumption in sub-Saharan African with the exception of the republic of south African. Gas flaring is a common practice in the oil and gas production processes globally, Libya for instance flares about 21% of its natural gas, while said Arabia, Canada and Algeria flare 20%, 8% and 50% respectively. This implies that Nigeria has one of the work rates of gas flaring in the world. In 2003, Nigeria flared about 76% of its natural gas. Gas flaring is thus occur during petroleum refining and chemical processing for safe disposal of waste gases during process upsets, plant start-up or shut down and as well as process emergencies. Flaring is a high- temperature oxidation process used to burn combustible components mostly hydrocarbons, of waste gases from industrial operation Gas flaring is the combustion of associated gas produced with crude oil or form gas fields.

The option to release gas to the atmosphere by flaring and venting is an essential practice in oil and gas production, primary for safety reasons. Flaring is the controlled burning of natural gas produced in association with oil in the course of routine oil and gas production operations. Venting is the controlled release of gas into the atmosphere in the course of oil and gas production operation. Solving the problem of this “nuisance” called venting while ensuring safe operation and to minimize undesirable venting, led to the introduction of flaring. Gas flaring is choice disposal option for handling waste hydrocarbon gases because of their ability to burn efficiently.

However, one of the problems associated with crude oil exploration and exploration in Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria is linked to gas flaring where as at 2005, crude oil is brought to the surface from several kilometers below, the gas associated with such oil extraction usually comes to the surface as well. If the oil is produced in those areas of the world that lacks gas infrastructure or a nearby gas market, a significant portion of the related gas may be released into the atmosphere either uninvited (vent) or ignited (flared).

Gas flaring contributes to climate change which has serious implications for both Nigeria and the rest of the world. Nigeria is one of the highest emitter of greenhouse gases in Africa and among the highest carbon (IV) oxides emitters in the world. The burning of fossil fuel, mainly coal, oil and gas led to the warming up the environment through the emissions of carbon dioxide (co2) as the main greenhouse gas, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and ash, photochemical oxidants and hydrogen supplied (H2S). The flares also contributes to acid rain, which apart from corroding corrugated aluminium roofs, acidify the soil, thereby causing soil fertility loss and damaging crops