BY KUNLE KALEJAYE
The Lagos State Government has said that the Alausa Power Project will be completed next year, according to the State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofiq Ajibade Tijani.

The Alausa Power Project is being constructed by the Oando Group, to build and operate an 11.6Mega Watt dual fired power plant located in Alausa, Ikeja Lagos.

Tijani said that the plant consists of three units of 3.88MW Wartsila dual fired generators and will deliver electric power for use at the Lagos State Secretariat Complex in Alausa, Lagos. The Alausa Secretariat has peak and off-peak energy requirements of 7.5MW and 1.5MW respectively.

“Two units of the Wartsila 3.88MW dual fired generators will operate during the peak periods while only one engine will be run during off peak periods. Natural gas will be supplied to the plant through a spur line connection off Gaslink Nigeria Limited’s existing pipeline grid in the area,” he said.

The plant design makes adequate provision for water supply for the plant’s use, drainage system, sewage treatment, wastewater treatment, and fire-fighting system amongst others.

The current plan provides for possible future expansion through additional units of the Wartsila 3.88MW dual fired engine, which could take the total plant capacity to about 19.4MW.

Vanguard learnt that on completion, the Alausa Power Plant is expected to deliver uninterrupted power to the state secretariat complex, the seat of government that house all key ministries and parastatals in the state including the State House of Assembly, to boost the ability of the state to function adequately.

Tijani noted that the state already has the Island Power Project running, which will increase power supply to the General Hospital (Lagos Island); High Court (Catholic Mission Street); High Court Annex (TBS); Magistrates Court (Igbosere Street); Island Maternity Hospital (Lagos Island); State House (Marina) and the provision of street lights within 20 Streets within Lagos Island from 35% to 100%.

He said, “A major advantage to the residents of these areas is the reduction in crime when commuting along the powered streets, as a result of functional streetlights. The project would help reduce environmental pollution as the plant runs on Compressed Natural Gas, CNG.

This would lead to the eradication of 30 diesel and petrol generators of various sizes thus ensuring cleaner air and reduction in noise pollution. This project will also significantly improve the delivery of essential social services to the citizens of Lagos state.”

The plant commenced operations in Wednesday May25, 2011.