Oando plans electricity generation from abandoned oil wells

Oando Energy Resources, a subsidiary of Oando Plc, is pioneering a novel approach to clean energy generation by planning a pilot project to produce electricity from abandoned oil wells. This geothermal-style power initiative is designed to bolster Nigeria's clean energy capacity and contribute to the country's gas-to-power strategy.

During a meeting with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, Oando's Managing Director, Dr. Ainojie Irune, detailed the plan to repurpose abandoned oil wells within Oando's Joint Venture operations. He described the project as an innovative, homegrown solution essential for transforming Nigeria's energy sector and improving electricity access across the nation.

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Domestic capacity is not only an imperative now, but it is also the only way we get out of an economic crisis.

The initiative is part of Oando Clean Energy's five-year strategy, which explores the combined potential of gas, solar, wind, and hydro resources to deliver reliable and affordable electricity in Africa. Oando already contributes significantly to Nigeria's power supply through the 480-megawatt Okpai Independent Power Plant, which provides approximately 15 percent of the nation's electricity to an estimated 50 million Nigerians.

Minister Tegbe welcomed Oando's commitment, reaffirming the government's focus on strengthening gas-to-power delivery as a cornerstone of Nigeria's industrialization. He emphasized utilizing the country's resources efficiently, highlighting hydro, gas, and solar as key advantages. The minister also stressed the importance of public-private collaboration for sustainable reforms in the power sector.

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We can talk about carbon credits, but in reality, it’s about the resources you have. You have to use them. That’s your advantage. Get it done in the cheapest, most efficient way possible. For me, it’s hydro, gas, and solar.