In this paper, we propose the development of a cleaner hydrocarbon paradigm for sustainable development in the Global South using Fischer-Tropsch Technology in the Nigeria Niger Delta. With energy being a very important part of human existence and its present shortage in the country, as well as the increasing concern of greenhouse gas emission (GHG), and the need for sustainable sources of energy, the move towards technology for the production of cleaner and more sustainable energy cannot be overemphasized and Fischer-Tropsch technology is one way of achieving this goal. The Fischer-Tropsch technology converts synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, into hydrocarbons which are further upgraded to fuels and chemicals of high quality. These synthesis gases can be derived from different carbon source feedstock such as natural gas, coal or biomass. Sasol Synfuels in South Africa uses this technology to produce 150,000 barrels per day from bituminous coal supplemented by natural gas, with another notable success of this technology being the Escravos GTL plant in Escravous Nigeria which produces approximately 34,000 barrels per day from natural gas. Improved research is needed on this technology with specific reference to the high operational and maintenance costs. Further, it requires combining the proposed technology with other energy conversion technologies, such as ranking cycles and gas turbines. Other technology use light hydrocarbon gases and CO2 produced in the process to provide power thereby reducing GHG, as well as increasing the efficiency of the technology. This paper strongly recommends the adoption of Fischer Tropsch Technology in the Nigeria Niger Delta, thereby helping in a more efficient energy conversion process as well as reducing the carbon footprint of the country.

Authors: T.K. Olaniyi, E.U. Edosa

Published in: World Congress on Sustainable Technologies (WCST-2023)

• Date of Conference: 13-15 November 2023
• DOI: 10.20533/WCST.2023.0020
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-64-8
• Conference Location: St Anne’s College, Oxford University, UK