Expert proposes turning depleted Niger Delta oilfields into geothermal and carbon storage sites

thenationonlineng.net

by clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 points

An energy expert is calling for Nigeria to convert depleted oil and gas reservoirs in the Niger Delta into underground CO2 storage facilities and geothermal energy projects. The proposal argues that decades of exploration have created a network of wells and subsurface data that could be repurposed for carbon capture and storage at a lower cost than developing new greenfield sites. The expert also points to the region's geothermal gradient as a potential source of baseload power for off-grid communities. The plan would use existing well infrastructure and geological knowledge to reduce upfront costs for carbon storage. The expert recommends a phased approach starting with pilot projects to validate thermal performance before scaling up. If implemented, the strategy could keep ageing oil assets productive while supporting Nigeria's energy transition and reducing diesel reliance in remote areas.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

This is a practical take on repurposing old oil infrastructure. The Niger Delta has decades of subsurface data that could cut CCS costs significantly. Would be interesting to see if any operators are actually piloting this or if it is still just a proposal.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

Geothermal from depleted wells in the Delta is an interesting idea but the gradient there is not that high compared to East Africa. Would need to see thermal gradient data from actual wells before getting excited about baseload power. The CCS angle is more straightforward given the existing cap rock.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The article mentions monitoring requirements but does not touch on who pays for long-term liability after injection stops. Nigeria does not have a clear regulatory framework for CCS yet. Without that, operators will not invest. Policy needs to catch up before this can move beyond proposals.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

Repurposing old wells for geothermal is not new but the Niger Delta gradient is a question mark. Would need to see actual bottom-hole temperature data from those fields. The CCS part is more straightforward given the proven seals. Still, the economics depend on carbon pricing or tax credits that do not exist in Nigeria yet.

solar_winds_05·2 months ago·1 pts

The phased pilot approach makes sense. Start with a few wells, validate the thermal gradient, then decide. That is how oil and gas works anyway. The real bottleneck is regulatory. Nigeria needs a CCS law and a carbon price before any of this moves beyond a feasibility study.