By Ajong Mbapndah L
The Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (AEC), NJ Ayuk, has lauded the contribution of the NEUMAN & ESSER Group to the growth of the African Energy Sector. Ayuk made the remarks following a visit to German technology leader NEUMAN & ESSER (NEA GROUP), where he engaged in fruitful discussions on high-performance gas compressor systems, green hydrogen solutions, and flare gas recovery.
During his visit, NJ Ayuk was impressed by NEA GROUP’s innovative approach to transforming flare gas into usable energy. “They actually transform flare gas into usable energy which I find amazing,” NJ Ayuk said. This technology has the potential to revolutionize Africa’s energy landscape, particularly in reducing the continent’s reliance on gas flaring – the burning of the natural gas associated with oil extraction.
According to the World Bank, flaring persists to this day because it is a relatively safe, though wasteful and polluting, method of disposing of the associated gas that comes from oil production. Using associated gas often requires economically viable markets for companies to make the investments necessary to capture, transport, process, and sell the gas.
NJ Ayuk emphasized the urgent need to end gas flaring in Africa, citing the significant environmental implications and health risks associated with the practice. “The environmental implications are obvious — if Africa stopped flaring tomorrow, then the continent’s upstream emissions would decrease by half. Flaring releases methane, soot, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.”
“Locals who breathe air near flaring sites have complained of poor eyesight, chronic headaches, and difficulty breathing — and those are just the functioning flaring sites. Flaring-related accidents have also led to severe burns and deaths.”
NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP (NEA), has established itself as one of the most dependable partners in helping the continent optimize its potential from an engineering and technological standpoint. “Partnering with another German company SPG Steiner, we are offering the complete solution of flare gas utilization,” Jens Wulff, Managing Director of the plant engineering company NEUMAN & ESSER DEUTSCHLAND told Pan African Visions in an interview.
“We offer technical consultancies to tailor the design of process and technology of utilization of this gas towards LNG, CNG, LPG or just gas-to-power, as per the business plan of our customers. We can design and produce all equipment and install it directly on-site. This we see as a way of converting the flare to the business opportunity.”
NJ Ayuk also debunked the myth that African energy assets are more carbon-intensive than average. “The perception that African energy assets are more carbon intensive than average certainly has not helped. I could simply laugh at this absurd claim, point out that our entire continent produces less than 10% of global upstream emissions, and move on with my day,” NJ Ayuk said.
As the African Energy Chamber’s “The State of African Energy 2024 Outlook Report” notes, when compared to other global regions, Africa may not have the lowest oil and gas extraction emissions, but it certainly does not have the highest.
Ayuk’s visit to NEA GROUP highlights the potential for African energy companies to adopt sustainable practices and invest in alternative energies. With markets continuing to evolve, companies like NEA GROUP are positioning themselves for long-term growth, creating jobs for Africans, and contributing to the continent’s economic development.
The visit underscores the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing Africa’s energy challenges. Embracing sustainable solutions and technologies, could see African energy companies reduce their environmental footprint, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to the continent’s economic growth.
“As the market continues to recover and evolve, we are likely to see companies like NEUMAN & ESSER position themselves for long-term growth, become more sustainable, and diversify to meet additional opportunities in alternative energies. That means they will be creating jobs for Africans for years to come,” NJ Ayuk said
