Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has set May 2024 as the timeline for the coming on stream of the 1megawatts gas-fired power plant which would supply electricity to the state secretariat complex.
The 1,000kw power plant, already at an advanced stage of completion and tie-in to the Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat power line, is expected to provide cleaner, cheaper and constant electricity within the Secretariat before the end of May 2024.
Governor Eno, speaking after an inspection tour of the plant, expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the contractor to deliver on the project, affirming that the state government’s pursuit for a shift in energy source was in line with current global trends in gaining carbon credit against climate change and pollution.
He said, “I am extremely satisfied with the things we have seen at the power station that will provide power within the Secretariat, using gas.
“Of course, you know that is where the world is going right now. I am happy with what the contractor is doing. Few things are left and we should be able to get it started. In the next two to three weeks.”
Also speaking, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Power, Engr. Camillus Umoh said the gas-fired combined 1megawatt capacity plant would provide cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable power to the state government secretariat, placing it in the Band A premium class which guarantees a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
Umoh emphasized that the new central gas power supply facility would face out the proliferation of small petrol or diesel-powered generators, with their associated carbon emissions and unpleasant outlook.
He explained that the use of the plant in the State Secretariat was a pilot project to affirm its workability as a recommendable power facility for clustered government or industrial establishments, attesting to its reliability, and compliance with international standards and protocol.
On gas availability to feed the plant, Engr. Umoh said, “Provisions have been made for Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, to be lifted from the nearest gas depot and transported in about 200 bar pressured gas canisters for the generators in a controlled atmospheric pressure. Safety procedures, including blast-resistant walls, are in place to ensure safe operation of the plant.”