Sustainable Development & Operations of a Low Carbon Asset: The Ubeta Case Study
Abstract
The primary challenge of the Oil & Gas Industry is balancing increased demand for energy while decreasing carbon footprint. This paper aims to identify whether low-carbon sustainability objectives may be achieved at the Ubeta Onshore Gas Field situated within OML58, Nigeria without compromising either technical performance of the project or economic viability of the project. The method utilizes TotalEnergies' "Five Sustainable Change Levers" as a major component to the development philosophy and as a part of the operational philosophy of the Ubeta project, supported by a lean integration of the project to the Obite gas processing plant at OML58. Results from this paper demonstrated that utilization of a simple processing configuration will result in a reduction in site power demand to less than 200 kW. It also demonstrates that the incorporation of electric rigs; a 5MW solar generation unit; an optimal well testing strategy; and elimination of all routine flaring will result in avoided CO₂e emissions of approximately 17.19kT per annum. Peak emissions from the field are constrained to ~13 kT CO₂e with no increase in total emissions generated by the asset. An environmentally responsible footprint has been developed by limiting land use to only 19 out of 23 acquired for each of the wells via a single pad strategy, and enhancing biodiversity with over 2800 trees planted. Additionally, the project provided energy access, health services, and skill building training for greater than 5000 members of the local communities. Of critical importance, due to the low carbon design of the project, it is qualified for the non-associated gas fiscal incentives available to projects under the Nigeria Government's 2024 incentive program including about US$1/MSCF or 30% of the fiscal gas price for up to 10 years. Therefore, incorporating intentional sustainability practices has allowed for improved environmental performance and enhanced early life economics for the project. This combined approach represents a very replicable model for future onshore gas development projects demonstrating that environmental responsibility and profit can exist together effectively.