The African Energy Commission (AFREC) successfully conducted the in-person methane mitigation training for experts coming from Tunisia and Libya who are working in the oil and gas sector. The training was held from 22 to 24 October 2024 at Laico Tunis Hotel, where up to 40 engineers and scientists drawn from across the oil and gas value chain from the two countries participated.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to detect, measure, and mitigate methane emissions across the oil and gas value chain.
The opening session of the training was honored by the presence of Madam Ahlem Beji, Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Energy & Mines, Tunisia, Mr. Nezar Mokhtar, Director General of Human Resources & Training, Ministry of Oil & Gas, Libya, Madam Fatou Ndoye, Deputy Director of UNEP Regional Office for Africa. All the dignitaries welcomed the participants and expressed their gratitude to AFREC and partners for making it possible to hold the much-needed training oil and gas experts in Africa.
Speaking on behalf of AFREC, Mr. Yagouba Traore, Head Energy Policy, Planning & Strategy, expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Tunisia for accepting to host the training and for the warm welcome to all the participants. He highlighted the importance of the training as part of the implementation of the AFREC’s Oil & Gas Programme in the context of the African Union’ common position on energy access and just transition which encourages the use of both renewable and non-renewable energy sources to meet the energy demand gap on the continent. “By applying the concepts of detection, measurement and mitigation of methane emissions in the oil and gas activities, countries will be ensuring sustainable development which is in line with the Paris Agreement on decarbonization”, he said. While thanking UNEP and Carbon Limits for providing the training, he emphasized on the need for sustaining the efforts by capacitating trainers within the continent on Methane mitigation measures.
Methane is responsible for at least 30% of the current rise in global temperatures, and its emissions present a significant challenge for oil and gas-producing countries. This challenge is further compounded by limited investments in early detection and mitigation systems, leading to excessive emissions into the atmosphere. Given Libya’s role as a major oil and gas producer and Tunisia’s role as a major consumer with active oil and gas facilities, this methane mitigation training was both timely and essential.
The training covered key topics, including an overview of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector, detection, measurement, and quantification techniques, mitigation strategies, and advanced upstream methane emissions. The use of satellite technology for methane detection, measurement, and quantification was also explored.
Participants who successfully completed the training were awarded certificates of attendance officiated by H.E. Mr Ouael Chouchène, State Secretary in charge of Energy Transition, recognizing the skills and knowledge they acquired. In his closing remarks, H.E Mr Chouchène thanked AFREC for organizing such an important training, called on the participants to share the skills learned and apply in their respective companies and emphasized on strengthening collaboration among African countries. “ Tunisia is proud to be at the forefront of such initiatives, and as we move forward, the Ministry of Energy and Mines would like to explore ways to work closely with AFREC to develop this workshop into a regional program” he said.
AFREC remains committed to supporting African Union Member States in their efforts to decarbonize the oil and gas sector. Through continued training and collaboration with global partners, AFREC seeks to advance Africa’s aspiration for sustainable development in the natural resources sector.
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Executive Director | African Energy Commission (AFREC) | African Union |
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