TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and NNPC Limited have renewed a technology cooperation agreement aimed at reducing methane emissions across Nigeria’s oil and gas operations.
The renewed partnership extends for another 24 months a collaboration launched in December 2023 to deploy TotalEnergies’ advanced AUSEA technology for methane detection, measurement, and emissions reduction.
AUSEA — the Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications — is a drone-based monitoring system developed by TotalEnergies in partnership with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Reims.
The technology uses high-precision sensors to detect and measure methane and carbon dioxide emissions, enabling operators to identify leak sources and implement targeted mitigation measures.
Supporting Nigeria’s Energy Transition Goals
TotalEnergies said the renewed partnership aligns with efforts to improve environmental performance while sustaining energy production.
The company noted that it became the first exploration and production operator in Nigeria to eliminate routine gas flaring across all operated assets by the end of 2023.
The French energy major has also set a target of achieving near-zero methane emissions by 2030.
Under the partnership, AUSEA monitoring campaigns will continue across TotalEnergies-operated facilities, with annual drone surveys conducted to detect and reduce methane leaks.
TotalEnergies said more than 2,500 methane detection sensors were installed in 2025 to support real-time monitoring and faster response to emissions.
TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Country Chair and Managing Director, Matthieu Bouyer, said the extended cooperation with NNPC would help accelerate Nigeria’s methane reduction efforts.
“Extending our partnership with NNPC allows us to support our partner in their journey to reduce methane emissions by leveraging a cutting-edge proven technology, improving measurement and accelerating action,” Bouyer said.
He added that the initiative would contribute to “valorising Nigerian resources while lowering emissions.”
Methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide over shorter timeframes, has become a major focus for oil and gas producers seeking to meet global climate commitments.
The agreement comes as Nigeria continues efforts to attract investment into its energy sector while balancing increased hydrocarbon production with environmental sustainability requirements.
Industry analysts say improved methane monitoring could help reduce operational losses, strengthen regulatory compliance, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian oil and gas assets in international markets.
