An Evaluation of the Carbon Dioxide Emissions of a Liquefied Natural Gas Plant in Nigeria
[1]
David Onojiede Edokpa, Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
[2]
Precious Nwobidi Ede, Institute of Geosciences and Space Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
This study evaluates the carbon emissions of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing plant in Nigeria. The estimates were determined using the US EPA Emission Factor technique which utilizes the volume of fuel used by the main sources, the heating value of fuel gas and the emission reduction efficiency of the main sources considered. Results indicate that an average of 10.9 million metric tons (mmt) of CO2 per year is released from the processing plant. The flare point, MR and PR compressors, thermal oxidizers and gas turbine were the highest emitters of CO2 which amounts to 3.3mmt/yr., 2.7mmt/yr., 1.9mmt/yr. and 1.2mmt/yr. respectively. The heat transfer and regeneration units were the lowest emitters of CO2, both reaching an average of 1mmt/yr. The average total estimated value of CO2 emission from the plant represents 11% and 0.03% when compared with Nigeria and global values of 98.93 mmt/yr. and 38,604 mmt/yr. of 2014 respectively. With the continuous emissions of CO2 on the increase from oil and gas facilities and other anthropogenic sources due to population growth, industrial and transport expansion; mitigating CO2 emissions is not feasible in the near future. The outcome of these emissions will alter environmental balance and generate reverse reaction. To achieve a near zero CO2 emission, LNG plant chain would require LNG liquefaction facilities with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems such as pre-combustion, post-combustion and oxyfuel combustion systems integrated into the liquefaction facility design.
Carbon dioxide, Emission Factor, Atmosphere, Natural Gas
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