Sahara Group’s Commitment to Sustainability
Leading energy conglomerate Sahara Group, including Asharami Energy, Egbin Power Plant, and Ikeja Electric, has announced a commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions from its oil and gas operations by 2060. This pledge was made during the inaugural edition of Asharami Square, an initiative aimed at advancing sustainability through impactful media advocacy.
Strategic Approach to Decarbonization
At the event, titled “Carbon Footprint and the African Narrative,” Sahara Group’s sister companies outlined their strategies to reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits. Wole Ajeigbe, Group Project Manager at Asharami Energy, emphasized their strategic approach to decarbonizing Africa’s upstream operations, highlighting efforts across seven oil-producing assets in Nigeria. Key initiatives include eliminating gas flaring, reducing freshwater usage, and implementing Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS).
Leveraging Renewable Energy Sources
Ms. Ogochukwu Onyelucheya, Chief Commercial Officer at Ikeja Electric, stressed the importance of understanding carbon footprints. She highlighted Africa’s low contribution to global carbon emissions but emphasized the need to avoid past mistakes by leveraging local resources. “By focusing on renewable energy sources like solar and hydropower, we can reduce reliance on the national grid and lower energy costs,” she stated.
Strategies to Mitigate Carbon Emissions
Ejiro Gray, Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, outlined various strategies to mitigate carbon emissions. These include natural gas development, renewable energy expansion, and protection of natural carbon sinks. She emphasized the importance of protecting and rehabilitating Africa’s natural landscapes to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce net emissions.
Role of Media in Promoting Sustainability
Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, highlighted the crucial role of the media in promoting sustainability. He announced the establishment of Asharami Square, a platform for journalist training and mentorship, aimed at fostering skills in sustainability practices. This initiative, in partnership with the University of Lagos and Pan Atlantic University, aims to empower the media to drive accuracy, clarity, and impact in sustainability reporting.
Sahara Group’s pledge to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2060 positions it as a leader in sustainable development within Africa’s energy sector. Their strategic approach, focusing on renewable energy and carbon mitigation, showcases their commitment to a greener future. The Asharami Square initiative further emphasizes their dedication to fostering sustainability awareness and education.
Source：thisdaylive.com
