Dangote Refinery to minimize pollution and related health hazards

This is because the refinery has been designed to process a variety of light and medium grades of crude and produce extremely clean fuels that meet Euro V specification.

Sulphur in petroleum fuels results in vehicle exhaust emissions that have negative impact on health and environment.

Devakumar Edwin, group executive director of Dangote Refinery disclosed this while speaking on Promoting Efficiency  and Clean Fuels in African Refining and Petrochemicals Market at the Oil Trading and Logistics (OTL) conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

 Dangote Refinery is investing in most advanced units to produce Euro V fuel due to help Nigeria meet the European Standard of gasoline.

Edwin, who was represented by Srinivas Rachakonda, director Business Strategy & Optimization, Dangote Refinery,  said that the construction of the refinery will provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs and add value to the Nigeria’s economic development.

He noted that the refinery will lead to significant skills transfer and technology acquisition opportunities in the country.

He said the group has embarked on a landmark integrated Refinery and Petrochemical project, regarded as the largest industrial complex in the history of Africa, which is expected to take Nigeria to new heights through transformation of the economy.

According to him, the refinery will ensure that the security of local supply of petroleum products is guaranteed as well as the availability of petrochemical feedstock (Poly-propylene & Polyethylene), which will be enough for the Nigerian market as well as the neighboring countries.

 In addition to Polypropylene Polyethylene, the refinery will also produce Carbon Black feedstock and Sulphur.

With a fast-growing population and poor infrastructure, he said the refinery will also reposition Nigeria as an attractive investment destination and a major industrial hub in Africa.

He disclosed that the company has also invested in the East West Offshore Gas Gathering System (EWOGGS) project, which is expected to unlock significant gas supply and help to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.

The first phase is expected to deliver gas for the use of Dangote Industries, including the proposed fertiliser plant in the refinery complex, and other identified industrial and power plant users.

Also speaking during the session, Reginald Stanly,  former executive secretary of the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA),  said Dangote Refinery is going to be a game changer for the entire African downstream industry.

He commended Dangote Refinery for its decision to produce Euro V specification of gasoline. Dumping of toxic fuel in the country , he said is not acceptable, saying that  the earlier they stop it, the better for us.

Giving his welcome address, Chairman, OTL Africa Downstream,  Emeka Akabogu, said recent market tendencies have shown appetite for some categories of investment in the downstream value chain.

Akabogu noted that there have been considerable investments in retail outlet development, marine logistics platforms and storage facilities across the country, while several refinery projects that aim to balance the discrepancy caused by inadequate refining capacity on the continent are currently underway.

He said other emerging developments, issues bordering on regulation of the industry and independence of the regulators themselves have also received the attention of stakeholders.