TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited and NNPC Limited have renewed their cooperation agreement for the deployment of AUSEA technology, extending their partnership for another 24 months to enhance methane detection and reduction efforts across Nigeria’s energy sector.
The collaboration, originally launched in December 2023, is focused on strengthening emissions monitoring through advanced drone-based systems designed to identify and reduce greenhouse gases.
AUSEA, which stands for Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Applications, is an innovative technology developed by TotalEnergies in collaboration with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Reims. It enables high-precision detection of methane and carbon dioxide emissions, allowing operators to quickly identify leak sources and implement mitigation measures.
According to TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, the initiative reflects its commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.
The company stated that it became the first exploration and production operator in Nigeria to eliminate routine flaring across all its operated assets by the end of 2023, and has set a target of achieving near-zero methane emissions by 2030.
Under the renewed agreement, AUSEA campaigns will continue across all operated sites, with annual drone flights scheduled to support continuous emissions tracking and reduction efforts.
In 2025, more than 2,500 sensors were reportedly installed across facilities to enable real-time methane leak detection and faster response to emissions incidents.
Matthieu Bouyer, Country Chair and Managing Director of TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, said the renewed partnership will enhance Nigeria’s ability to manage emissions more effectively.
“Extending our partnership with NNPC allows us to support our partner in their journey to reduce methane emissions, by leveraging a cutting-edge proven technology, improving measurement, and accelerating action. It’s an important step for Nigeria as it helps valorise Nigerian resources while lowering emissions,” he said.
The renewed collaboration is part of broader global efforts by energy companies and regulators to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas sector, particularly methane, which is considered one of the most potent contributors to climate change.
Industry stakeholders say the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies like AUSEA is expected to improve transparency, strengthen environmental compliance, and support Nigeria’s transition toward lower-carbon energy production.
