The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Bayelsa Chapter has lauded the initiatives of Gov Douye Diri's administration on the injection of 60 Mega Watts of power supply through the nearly completed gas-fired turbine project.

Our Correspondent reports that APWEN put the completion rate at 99 per cent.

The Chairman of the Association, Engr. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite gave the commendation when she led no fewer than 30 women engineers, including professionals, engineering graduates and students on an industrial visit to the 60MW Gas-Fired Power Plant at Elebele in Ogbia local government area of the state.

She added that upon completion, the 60MW gas-fired turbine, which receives gas feed from the Oando gas manifold in Elebele would help eradicate the frequent power outages in the state, boost business activities, and accelerate industrial and economic growth.

According to her, “When the project is completed, it will almost take the state out of the national grid as well as provide a stable power supply across the state"

Obuebite had during an interactive session with Gov Diri at the project site in Elebele noted that the current 20 Megawatt power supply is inadequate for the state to meet both domestic and industrial demands.

She added that upon completion, the gas turbine would help eradicate the frequent power outages in the state, boost business activities, and accelerate industrial and economic growth.

The members of APWEN were conducted round the project site by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited (BECL)

Engr. Olice Kemenanabo.

The members, during the project site visit which lasted for two hours gained valuable insights into the power plant's operations, from inducers to gas pipes, boilers, pressure control with transmitters, heat exchange bellows, emergency shut-off valve etc. 

The hands-on experience was invaluable, with the students learning how lean gas and methane are processed to power the turbine.

The visit also bridged the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their understanding of engineering principles while the students on their part took turns to ask questions as the MD took time to answer all q

uestions satisfactorily.