Osinbajo launches new plant, as Delta converts flared gas for power generation

Solomon Ezeme

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, had on Monday inaugurated the 8.5MW Asaba Independent Power Project, expected to increase electricity supply, and help facilitate economic growth in Delta State.

The new plant will be powered by gas captured and prevented from being lost into the atmosphere. It is meant to both generate electricity and ensure safer and cleaner environment for residents of the state.

Osinbajo was received by the State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, for the commissioning of the gas-powered plant which was facilitated by both Bastanchury Power Solutions and the Delta State Government.

During the ceremony, the Vice President lauded the efforts of the Delta State Government for successfully executing the project as he also commended the traditional rulers for uniting the diverse people, since the creation of the state.

“The Town of Asaba has changed dramatically, becoming the capital of the newly created Delta State in 1991, and has since attracted people from far and near who have come to seek their fortunes here.

“Its traditional leadership has ensured that the growth and increasing diversity of Asaba has proceeded without tension and antagonism amongst all the people who live here,” he said.

Managing Director, Africa Plus, Ajakaiye Adeniran who was at the newly inaugurated power plant, in his reaction, said: “It’s an automated power plant – an 8.5MW (Megawatts) power plant powered by gas.

“Predominantly, the flared gas programme of the government is working. Because if not for that flare site where this gas is coming from, that would have been going into the atmosphere.

“This goes into what everybody is talking about right now – the climate change,” he said.

The new power plant is sited behind the new secretariat complex recently launched by the Vice President in the state, and has a 25km distribution network.

It will be supplying 24/7 electricity to the State Government House and the Secretariat in Asaba, with some part of it given out to the public where necessary.

The plant was established under a “Willing Buyer/Willing Seller Basis” which would not require a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).