𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗢𝗶𝗹𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹, 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗯𝘀-----𝗜𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗵 𝗔𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗼𝘀𝘂 𝗣𝗶𝘂𝘀

By NigerDelta Voice,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

An energy expert, Imorgiemeh Akagbosu Pius, has urged the Federal Government and stakeholders in the petroleum industry to transform depleted oil and gas reservoirs across the Niger Delta into underground carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage facilities and geothermal energy projects.

According to the expert, the initiative would accelerate Nigeria's transition to cleaner energy while preserving the economic value of ageing oil and gas assets.

Pius explained that decades of petroleum exploration in the Niger Delta have left behind an extensive network of depleted reservoirs, existing wells, and valuable subsurface geological data that can be repurposed rather than abandoned.

He noted that these mature reservoirs possess proven geological characteristics capable of securely storing carbon dioxide over the long term, having naturally trapped hydrocarbons for millions of years.

"The next chapter for many mature oilfields should not be abandonment but intelligent repurposing. We already understand these reservoirs better than most undeveloped subsurface formations. That knowledge gives us an opportunity to convert them into secure CO₂ storage sites while also exploring their geothermal energy potential," he said.

Pius further explained that reusing depleted oilfields would significantly reduce the cost of carbon capture and storage projects because major investments in exploration, appraisal drilling, seismic surveys, and field infrastructure have already been made during years of oil production.

He stressed, however, that successful carbon storage projects must be supported by rigorous monitoring systems to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

According to him, technologies such as time-lapse pulsed neutron logging, annular pressure monitoring, and cement evaluation tools can be deployed to monitor reservoir conditions in real time without the need for expensive well intervention programmes.

Beyond carbon storage, the expert said the Niger Delta's favourable geothermal gradient and reservoir depths present an opportunity for commercial geothermal energy development capable of supplying reliable electricity to off-grid communities.

He recommended a phased implementation approach, beginning with comprehensive well integrity assessments and thermal gradient studies before converting selected wells for geothermal fluid circulation.

"We should begin with pilot projects. Rather than committing huge investments immediately, operators can gather thermal performance data from a small number of wells, validate their models, and determine whether larger-scale geothermal development is technically and economically viable," he stated.

Pius added that adopting the strategy would not only strengthen Nigeria's energy security but also reduce dependence on diesel-powered electricity generation while supporting national clean energy objectives.

He further noted that the initiative could create new business opportunities for indigenous oilfield service companies involved in well maintenance, downhole logging, and equipment servicing, while retaining the expertise of engineers and geoscientists built over decades of petroleum operations.

Describing mature oilfields as strategic national assets, Pius urged policymakers and industry operators to reposition them for low-carbon energy projects instead of decommissioning them.

"If properly managed, they can continue creating economic value through carbon storage, geothermal energy, and other low-carbon technologies while supporting Nigeria's long-term energy transition," he concluded.