MechChem Africa March-April 2024

ROMPCO highlights its sustainability efforts on World Engineering Day World Engineering Day, on 4 March, recognises the pivotal role engineering plays in shaping our world.This year’s theme,‘Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World’, showcases how engineers develop innovative solutions to address global challenges such as climate change in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

C elebrating engineers highlights their contributions and inspires young minds to pursue careers in engineering, thus ensuring a talent pipeline for future generations. The Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Compa ny (ROMPCO) showcases the important role played by Luís Gudo, a Mechanical Engineer with a background in petroleum operations. Currently Technical Manager at ROMPCO, Gudo oversees the technical aspects of gas pipeline operations to ensure safety, ef ficiency and compliance with relevant laws and standards. “World Engineering Day holds significant importance as it serves as a platform to high light the crucial role of engineers in advancing global living conditions,” says Gudo. The day not only raises public awareness about the contributions of engineers but also empha sises their pivotal role in driving sustainable development across various sectors. Engineers play a fundamental role in designing, innovating and implementing solu tions to address pressing challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development, renewable energy, and access to clean water and sanitation. By recognising the efforts of engineers and promoting their contributions, World Engineering Day fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and collective action towards achieving sustainable development goals worldwide. Gudo says engineering solutions play a vital role in creating a sustainable world by addressing multifaceted challenges. Engineers integrate creativity, innovation and technology to develop solutions that promote sustainability, resilience, and equity. They design energy-efficient infrastructure, develop renewable energy sources, imple ment waste management systems, enhance water conservation practices, and innovate sustainable transportation solutions. In addition, engineers focus on minimising environmental impact, improving resource efficiency and promoting social inclusivity in their projects. Through their expertise and collaborative efforts, engineers contribute significantly to advancing sustainability across various sectors and fostering a healthier and more prosperous planet for future gen erations. In its current projects involving gas

transportation pipelines, ROMPCO prioritises sustainability through various engineering solutions. Unaccounted for Gas (UAG), which indicates leaks of natural gas into the atmo sphere, is monitored closely. Addressing UAG not only mitigates environmental threats but also reduces our carbon footprint, aligning with ROMPCO’s commitment to combating climate change. Another key focus is to en sure gas quality, as it directly influences the efficiency of end users’ equipment. “These efforts underscore our dedication to promote sustainability in our operations and projects,” continues Gudo. However, engineers encounter several challenges in developing sustainable solutions. Access to up-to-date information, technology, and necessary training poses significant hurdles. The evolving nature of technology means that solutions effective a decade ago may not be applicable today. Engineers must continu ously update their knowledge and engage in information-sharing forums to stay abreast of developments. This constant need for learning and adaptation is essential to address contem porary sustainability challenges effectively. Engineering also plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of climate change and future-proofing infrastructure. Engineers are at the forefront of the battle against climate change, tasked with delivering in novative, sustainable and resilient solutions.

By designing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, engineers contribute directly to meet targets to reduce global warming. They develop renewable energy sources, design energy-efficient buildings and trans portation systems, and implement sustainable water management practices. In addition, engineers work to future-proof infrastructure by incorporating climate resilience into their designs, considering factors such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing environmental conditions. “Through their expertise and commitment, engineers play a crucial role in building a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come,” concludes Luís Gudo. ROMPCO is a joint venture between the government of South Africa (represented by the South African Gas Development Company (iGas), the government of Mozambique (represented by Companhia Moçambicana de Gasoduto (CMG) and Sasol. ROMPCO was formed to transport natural gas from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane gas fields to markets in Mozambique and South Africa, for the economic benefit of the whole region. The company aims to contribute to a bal anced energy economy, gas infrastructure and capabilities development while being a responsible corporate citizen. www.rompco.co.za/

ROMPCO was formed to transport natural gas from Mozambique’s Pande and Temane gas fields to markets in both Mozambique and South Africa.

20 ¦ MechChem Africa • March-April 2024