The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the University of Port Harcourt on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on collaborative research and development.
The MOU is aimed at diversifying the country’s energy supplies.
Speaking at the occasion in Port Harcourt, Mr. Billy Agha, the Group Executive Director, Engineering and Technical of the NNPC, said that the MOU marked the beginning of alternative fuel development.
Agha was represented at the occasion by the NNPC Group General Manager, Research and Development, Mr. Nelson Oyudo.
He signed the MOU on behalf of the corporation while the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benne Abbey, signed for the university.
Agha said the MOU marked another milestone for the NNPC research and development in forging strategic partnerships with indigenous universities.
He said the partnership would strengthen NNPC’s research portfolio for positive developments in renewable energy.
According to Agha, in the wake of environmental concerns and volatility of fossil fuels supply in the world, the environment of alternative fuels is crucial to the future of the transport sector.
``The development of clean fuels such as bio-fuels for the future is one of the most urgent challenges facing the world today due to the need to address climate change and security of fuel supplies.
``The energy for the future is renewable,’’ he said.
He said the collaboration would focus on the advancement of bio-fuels research to ultimately transform the nation’s bio-fuel production.
Agha said that the collaboration would also preserve the country’s mineral oil and save its planet from ravages of climate change.
Also speaking, Abbey thanked the NNPC for the opportunity given to the university to partner with the corporation in quality research and development.
``Let me assure you that the skills, experience, knowledge and manpower developed from this collaborative effort would be tailored towards conducting a wholly Nigerian research in selected area of need in the petroleum industry.
``And also development of technologies and products from the results of our joint research efforts,’’ she said.
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