NNPC, NIPetGE push AI adoption in energy sector

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers have advocated increased adoption of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies to improve operations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the President-elect of NIPetGE, Prisca Kanebi, and her delegation to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr Olalekan Ogunleye, in Abuja.

According to a statement made available on Sunday, discussions at the meeting focused on the future of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry amid global energy transition concerns, technological changes and sustainability targets.

The statement indicated that the NNPCL acknowledged the role of NIPetGE in policy advocacy, technical development and innovation within the sector.

Speaking during the meeting, Kanebi highlighted recommendations from the institute’s recent conference, including the proposed establishment of a national centre for intelligent energy systems to support the deployment of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and robotics across the petroleum value chain.

She also commended the Federal Government’s decarbonisation efforts and reiterated the institute’s support for policies aimed at improving sustainability in the industry.

The institute also recommended the creation of a hydrocarbon-linked emissions trading system to allow Nigeria to take part in global carbon markets.

The institute also proposed fiscal incentives to support local manufacturing and service delivery in the oil and gas sector, as well as the expansion of the Energy Transition Plan to include measurable upstream decarbonisation targets backed by tax credits.

Other proposals included increased public-private partnerships in emission control infrastructure, carbon capture projects and hybrid renewable energy initiatives.

Both organisations also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between industry and academic institutions to improve professional capacity and align petroleum engineering practice in Nigeria with international standards.

The institute further disclosed that its bill seeking chartered status had passed second reading and was progressing towards a third hearing at the National Assembly.

It was added that NNPCL pledged support for future collaborations with the institute on initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and innovation in the energy sector.