APWEN Commends Gov. Diri Over 60MW Gas-Fired Turbine Project, Says It Will End Power Outages in Bayelsa
The Bayelsa State chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has commended Governor Douye Diri for initiating the 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine power project, describing it as a major milestone that will significantly address the persistent problem of epileptic power supply in the state.
The commendation was made during an industrial visit by members of APWEN to the 60MW Gas-Fired Power Plant located in Elebele, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The visit was led by the Chairperson of the association, Engr. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite, who arrived at the facility with over 30 women engineers comprising professionals, engineering graduates and students.
Obuebite praised the Diri administration for investing in the project, which she noted is already about 99 percent completed. According to her, the project will inject about 60 megawatts of electricity into the state’s power supply system when fully operational.
She stated that the gas-fired turbine, which receives gas feed from the Oando gas manifold located in Elebele, would significantly reduce frequent power outages, stimulate business activities and accelerate industrial as well as economic development across the state.
According to her, the project represents a major step toward energy independence for the state.
“When the project is completed, it will almost take the state out of the national grid and provide stable and reliable power supply across Bayelsa,” she said.
Obuebite also noted during an interactive session with Governor Diri at the project site that the current power generation capacity of about 20 megawatts available to the state is grossly inadequate to meet both domestic and industrial electricity demands.
She therefore expressed optimism that the completion of the 60MW turbine would drastically improve the electricity situation and enhance productivity in both public and private sectors.
Members of the association were later conducted around the facility by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited (BECL), Engr. Olice Kemenanabo.
During the two-hour tour, the engineers and students were exposed to various operational components of the power plant. These included the gas pipelines, boilers, pressure control systems with transmitters, heat exchange bellows and emergency shut-off valves.
Participants were also provided with technical insights into how lean gas and methane are processed to power the turbine and generate electricity.
The visit provided the students with practical knowledge that complemented their classroom training, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-life engineering practice.
Students present at the facility took turns to ask technical questions, while the BECL Managing Director offered detailed explanations on the plant’s operational processes and safety mechanisms.
APWEN members described the industrial visit as highly educative and beneficial, noting that such engagements are vital in preparing the next generation of engineers for the demands of the profession.
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