News

PTI, NNPC partner to develop CNG-powered tricycles

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) announced on Thursday that it is partnering with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Research and Technology Institute to develop CNG-powered tricycles, commonly known as ‘Keke.’

The institute has also developed concepts and technologies in the modular refining space, which are being used to train artisanal refiners.

Dr. Henry Adimula, the Principal/CEO of PTI, made this announcement during a briefing on its 3rd Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology, scheduled for next Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the drive towards CNG-powered tricycles aims to reduce the country’s PMS (premium motor spirit) consumption while also moving towards cleaner energy.

He stated, “The other aspect towards cleaner energy is the issue of transportation. Transportation is key in any country.

For us in Nigeria, what we are still using is PMS, and right now, the Petroleum Training Institute is partnering with NNPC RTI to develop CNG-powered ‘keke,’ especially as the government is talking about the decade of gas. We know that gas is a cleaner source of energy.”

Regarding the institute’s activities in the modular refinery sector, he explained, “We are primarily a training institution, but when you look at the country today, especially the type of technology being used by artisanal refiners, one of the things we have done is to develop concepts and also help train individuals so that whatever they do will not have adverse effects on the environment.”

“We at the institute have built our own. What is next is to scale it up and find ways to make it commercial. As an institute, we already have our templates and drawings, making it easy to bring people in and teach them various components of what they will encounter in the field.”

He emphasised that the institute’s refinery primarily aims at technology advancement, saying, “The refinery we are working on is not meant to replicate a refinery like Dangote’s. Our primary focus is on being a training institute. Whatever we develop is to contribute to the advancement of technology in that space.”

Dr. Tina Isichei, the Director of Research and Development at PTI, added that the institute’s modular refinery serves as a template.

She explained, “In the Petroleum Training Institute, we have a demonstration rig that covers the processes involved in crude oil processing.

We feel that beyond that, we should have a small modular refinery that can process about 200 litres of crude.

This will help in training individuals on the entire crude processing cycle, from start to finish. We are seeking partners to scale this up beyond the 200-litre capacity.”

She also mentioned that the conference’s theme, “Future of the Oil and Gas Industry: Opportunities, Challenges, and Development,” is being held in collaboration with NNPC RTI, NNPC Academy, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), and the African Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO).

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM TheWitness

How Sunday Igboho got his freedom — Prof Akintoye

The leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, a self determination movement for Yoruba nation, Professor Banji Akintoye, on Saturday, declared that

FULL LIST: 43 items that are no longer contraband for importation

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed restrictions on the importation of all 43 items that

How N16 almost made me to drop out of school —Prof Ogundana

Celina Folakemi Ogundana, an academic and professor of Sociology, is the

I don’t have billionaire boyfriend, I lied —Mercy Eke

Former Big Brother Naija winner, Mercy Eke, has set the record straight by admitting that she

Kenyan authorities arrest fake lawyer who won 26 cases in court

Kenyan authorities have arrested a fake lawyer, Brian Mwenda, who has won 26 cases while parading

2023 AFCON: Super Eagles will be difficult opponent for Cote d’Ivoire — Drogba

Cote d’Ivoire legend Didier Drogba has predicted a difficult duel against the Super Eagles of