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<p>The pursuit of alternative and renewable energy sources holds significant potential for replacing oil as the dominant energy source in Africa. A critical issue is the daily flaring of stranded gases in the Niger Delta, which causes environmental pollution, health problems, and greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, particularly using the Fischer–Tropsch process, converts syngas into liquid fuel via catalysts, heat, and pressure. This study focuses on the application of a modular GTL approach to utilize these stranded gases efficiently. Utilizing advanced simulation methods, this research examines the GTL process, including pre-reforming, autothermal reforming (ATR), and the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The pre-reformer efficiently converts higher molecular mass hydrocarbons to methane and water, achieving an outlet temperature of 287.1&#xa0;°C at 30 bar pressure. The ATR reactor is optimized to prevent soot formation, operating at a maximum temperature of 1028&#xa0;°C. The simulations reveal a carbon efficiency of 85.6%, with the GTL plant achieving around 77% carbon efficiency and 68% thermal efficiency, outperforming the typical 60–66% efficiency range of standard GTL processes. The study demonstrates that modular GTL technology can effectively utilize stranded gases, significantly reducing flaring and its associated environmental impacts. By optimizing variables such as the H₂/CO ratio, carbon efficiency, thermal efficiency, and operational conditions, the GTL process can be fine-tuned for enhanced performance. The findings suggest that modular GTL technology not only addresses the pressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta but also offers a scalable solution for sustainable energy development across Africa.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Gas-to-liquid technology for sustainable energy development in Africa: a modular approach to stranded gas conversion

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月19日

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  • Igwilo K Chinwuba,
  • Ifeanyi Uche Oguamah,
  • Nnaemeka Uwaezuoke,
  • Matthew Udechukwu,
  • Chijioke Ezenwoke

摘要

The pursuit of alternative and renewable energy sources holds significant potential for replacing oil as the dominant energy source in Africa. A critical issue is the daily flaring of stranded gases in the Niger Delta, which causes environmental pollution, health problems, and greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, particularly using the Fischer–Tropsch process, converts syngas into liquid fuel via catalysts, heat, and pressure. This study focuses on the application of a modular GTL approach to utilize these stranded gases efficiently. Utilizing advanced simulation methods, this research examines the GTL process, including pre-reforming, autothermal reforming (ATR), and the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. The pre-reformer efficiently converts higher molecular mass hydrocarbons to methane and water, achieving an outlet temperature of 287.1 °C at 30 bar pressure. The ATR reactor is optimized to prevent soot formation, operating at a maximum temperature of 1028 °C. The simulations reveal a carbon efficiency of 85.6%, with the GTL plant achieving around 77% carbon efficiency and 68% thermal efficiency, outperforming the typical 60–66% efficiency range of standard GTL processes. The study demonstrates that modular GTL technology can effectively utilize stranded gases, significantly reducing flaring and its associated environmental impacts. By optimizing variables such as the H₂/CO ratio, carbon efficiency, thermal efficiency, and operational conditions, the GTL process can be fine-tuned for enhanced performance. The findings suggest that modular GTL technology not only addresses the pressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta but also offers a scalable solution for sustainable energy development across Africa.

Graphical Abstract