Digital Use of Flare Gas in Marginal Fields: Powering Telecoms and Data Systems in the Niger Delta

Abstract Flaring gas is a major problem in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, especially in the marginal oil fields, where the volume of produced associated gas is normally insufficient to sustain traditional gas utilisation schemes. This associated gas is often flared due to the high cost of infrastructure and the unavailability of gas processing plants, thus leading to loss of resources and pollution of the environment. This paper examines the concept of digital flare mitigation as a feasible alternative for utilising flared associated gas, specifically focusing on servicing telecommunication base stations and mining Bitcoin in the Niger Delta. The research paper takes a conceptual techno-economic viewpoint anchored on a literature analysis, publicly accessible gas flaring data, and standard marginal field production parameters. On-site gas engines or micro-turbines convert the associated petroleum gas from the wells into electricity. The power generated is enough to serve the telecommunication base stations around it, hence cutting down on the use of high CO2-emitting diesel generators and maximizing on the operating costs. Bitcoin mining can also be supported by using the same gas-to-power system, which is flexible and location-independent to monetise stranded gas in remote locations. The associated gas is usually be used in the firing of gas engines, but simple gas treatment like dehumidification and condensable hydrocarbon removal is necessary. Higher hydrocarbons may necessitate engine derating, and desulphurization is needed in the presence of large amounts of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). The analysis results shows that digital flare mitigation is a feasible solution to flare gas sites and capable of working at small scales in marginal fields. The paper shows how this will be effective in gas flaring reduction, economics of marginal fields and offer cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions in gas utilisation in the Niger Delta.