The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Ltd., have signed a cooperation agreement to deploy Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications (AUSEA) technology, as a measure to combat methane emissions
This innovative tool is based on drones and was designed by TotalEnergies jointly with the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Reims.
With the help of this invention, it is possible to carry out precise measurements and detection of methane and carbon dioxide leaks with an accuracy of several meters.
This can significantly increase the effectiveness of the search and mitigation measures.
One of the key areas of TotalEnergies’ activities is sustainable development, which is manifested in its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including those in Nigeria.
Thus, the company became the first exploration and production operator in Nigeria to eliminate routine gas flaring in all operated fields at the end of 2023.
Further in 2025, the firm stepped up its game by fitting over 2,500 sensors at their plants to aid in methane leak detection and fast response.
The use of sophisticated systems coupled with timely reaction has enabled significant improvements in emissions reduction and operational effectiveness.
While commenting on this extended partnership, Matthieu Bouyer, the Managing Director & Country Chair of TotalEnergies Corporation, observed that the extension was part of a joint initiative aimed at achieving sustainable energy production. Bouyer explained that using advanced technology would assist in making precise measurements of emissions and facilitate concrete action to mitigate climate impacts.
This strengthened partnership is indicative of a larger move in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry toward sustainable resource management and production. With the integration of advanced technologies like AUSEA by these two companies, not only are global goals towards climate mitigation being met but also Nigerian resources can be tapped sustainably.
It is expected that the joint partnership may become a benchmark among other operators in Nigeria. According to experts in the industry, such a technology-facilitated approach can yield positive results for the environment and put Nigeria in the forefront of addressing climate change.
