A Review of the Potential of Natural Gas in Energy Sector Reforms in Nigeria

Jibril, I. B., Bello, A. and Muhammad A.

Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Engineering, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

Keywords: Natural Gas, Associated Gas, Non-Associated Gas, Power, Reforms.

Abstract

This paper reviews the potential of natural gas in power reforms in Nigeria, It examines the renewable and non-renewable energy sources, power generation capacity and losses, power transmission, energy policies, sustainability index and energy security. The study reveals that, th with almost 140 trillion cubic feet of gas, Nigeria ranks as the 7 holder of proven gas reserves in the world and largest in Africa. In energy terms, the reserve of natural gas in Nigeria is at least of the same order as the reserves of the crude oil. About 1000 standard cubic feet of gas is produced in Nigeria in association with a barrel of oil. Therefore, averagely with oil production of 2.2 million barrels per day, about 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of associated gas is produced. Nigeria has not sufficiently explored non associated gas yet, as such, gas reserves are most likely to increase over time and consequently exceed our foreseeable needs. The study also compares with what is obtainable in India. Natural gas is a nontoxic, clean source of energy, having a high calorific value and proven to be a more attractive alternative in the energy sector and contributes over 60% of the total output of the national grid.