A’Ibom set to centralise gas-driven power supply

Akwa Ibom State government has moved to set up a central gas-driven power plant to supply 24 hours electricity within the secretariat complex in order to end the proliferation of power generating sets noise pollution and excessive carbon emissions at the Idongesit Nkanga secretariat.

The 1,000 kilowatts power plant, already at advance stage of completion and tie-in to the secretariat power line, is expected to provide cleaner, cheaper and constant electricity within the Idongesit Nkanga secretariat before the end of May.

Speaking to newsmen after the  inspection tour of the power station, the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, , expressed satisfaction with the commitment of the contractor handling the project, affirming that the state government’s pursuit for a shift in energy source is in line with the current global trends in gaining carbon credit against climate change and pollution.

He said: “I am satisfied with the things we have seen at the power station that will provide power within the secretariat, using gas.

“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.”

On the power station project, the Commissioner for Power, Camilus Umoh, said the gas-fired combined one megawatt capacity plant will provide a cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable power to the state government secretariat, placing it in the Band A premium class which guarantees minimum of 20 hours electricity supply daily.

He stressed that the new central gas power supply facility will phace out the proliferation of small petrol or diesel-powered generating sets with their associated carbon emissions and unpleasant outlook.

He added that the use of the plant in the state secretariat is a pilot project to affirm its workability as a recommendable power facility for clustered government or industrial establishments, attesting to its reliability, compliance with international standards and protocol.

To ensure availability of gas to fuel the plant, Umoh said provisions had been made for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to be lifted from nearest gas depot and be transported in about 200 bar pressured gas canisters and be fed to the generators in a controlled atmospheric pressure, affirming that safety procedures, including blast-resistant walls are in place to ensure safe operation of the plant.

The governor who also undertook inspection of the state government-owned Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), at Ikot Ada-Idem, the low-cost housing estates in Ibiaku Ikpedip and Ikot Ukpong, all in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state, announced that the skills acquisition centre will commence training on May 20.

Taking a tour of the hostels, carpentry, products manufacturing and other departments, including the snail farm, poultry, piggery and other facilities for agricultural-based production, Governor Eno affirmed satisfaction with the state of completion, lauding the Ministry of Education and the project consultants for the clear interpretation of government’s vision on the project.

“Like I said during my campaign, everything the previous administration has done, we will take to a logical conclusion. This is one of the legacies of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration. The courage, the guts he had to do this, we must ensure not to let it die,” the governor said.

“With all of the things Government has done here already, I believe Akwa Ibom is ready to train skilled manpower for the rest of the world. I am pleased about what I am seeing here,” the governor said.

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