February 07, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State Government, through the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd., in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, has commenced the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed 60MW gas-fired power plant at Elebele, a suburb of Yenagoa.
The assessment, which began on Thursday, marks the initial step in the execution of the power project designed to boost electricity supply in the state.
Conducting the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, and his team around the project site, the Director of Operations of Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd., Engr. Steve Bubagha Jnr., explained that the state intends to install a 60MW “plug-and-play” gas turbine. He noted that the turbine would be powered by the Oando gas manifold located in Elebele.
According to Bubagha, the project sits on a total land area of 5.8 hectares, with 2.1 hectares currently being utilized for the first phase.
“This is a ‘plug-and-play’ gas turbine, meaning it is already set to be fixed. The only remaining task is to work on other components of the gas turbine. In less than two years—or at most, in two years—the turbine should be operational,” he stated.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the site, the Minister of Environment, represented by a senior ministry official, Adimchinobi Okereke, emphasized the importance of ensuring that the project adheres to standard EIA guidelines.
He commended the Bayelsa State Government for initiating the power project, noting that its completion would not only benefit the state but also contribute to solving Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
“The purpose of this visit and the accompanying workshop is to ensure a proper EIA is conducted before final approval is granted. This power project is a welcome development, as it will improve electricity supply in Bayelsa and beyond,” Okereke stated.
The EIA consultant for the project, Prof. Azibola Inegite, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Niger Delta University, assured that a comprehensive environmental assessment would be conducted.
He stressed that such an evaluation is a critical aspect of any land and environment-related project.
The Technical Adviser on Print Media/Public Affairs to the state governor, Comrade Wisdom Ikuli, praised Governor Douye Diri for his foresight in initiating the power project.
He noted that the proposed 60MW gas-fired plant would alleviate the frequent power outages experienced in Bayelsa, drive economic growth, and accelerate the state’s industrialization process.
As part of the Minister’s visit, a Stakeholders Engagement Scoping Workshop was also held to discuss the EIA process for the gas-powered plant and its accompanying gas delivery pipeline.
The workshop had in attendance representatives from Elebele, the host community of the project, and Kpansia, an impacted community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, among others.
It would be recalled that, in response to the worsening power situation, the Bayelsa State Government last week approved the purchase and installation of a 60MW gas-fired twin turbine at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
