As part of the Government’s drive to scale up investment in the energy sector. The governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwolu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of 30MW embedded power plant in Lagos on Tuesday 10th July 2023 at Nepa Close, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

During the event, the Governor’s representative said the embedded plant, a collaboration between Electron, the private sector and Eko Disco in the distribution company demonstrates the availability of private sector investors to drive the dream of the governor, Babajide Sanwaolu, the dream of universal electricity supply to the residents of Lagos State.

“The state’s desire is for universal affordable electricity to the urban and rural areas. Our drive is to have the private sector drive this desire of ours whilst we have invested a lot in power in Lagos State, we do not want to be the investing power, we just want to create the enabling environment for the private sector to invest”

“We understand that reliable steady power brings commerce, commerce brings capital, capital brings industrialisation, industrialisation brings employment.”

On his part the CEO Elektron Tola Talabi said: “The Victoria Island Power Project is a 30MW natural gas fired embedded generation plant being developed through the collaborative effort of Elektron and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).”

According to him, “the embedded IPP will supply uninterruptible electricity through dedicated 33kV and 11KV distribution networks exclusively to identified customers. This project is the first of its kind, where a natural gas IPP will be directly embedded into Disco’s distribution network for supply to identified end-user customers.”

“This project would uniquely address two critical areas of focus in the energy sector (I) natural utilization and (ii) dedicated power generation. The project has the potential to eradicate up to1000 diesel generators within its coverage area, drastically reducing emissions and promoting a

greener environment,” he added.

Highlighting the benefits of the project, the Chairman Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Oritsedere Otubu said “The construction of a state-of-the-art 30MW power plant that will

revolutionize the energy landscape of Lagos State.

Indeed, the journey has been tough but worthwhile.”

The real need to deliver optimal power supply to Lagosians sparked the conversations on this

Project as far back as 2015 when Eko DisCo pioneered the discussions on embedded

generation.”

Explaining further, Otubu said, the Power Plant will employ cutting-edge technologies, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and

reduced environmental impact. The power generated here will not only meet the current energy demands but also anticipate and accommodate the future needs of Lagosians.

In addition, the Power Plant will generate countless job opportunities, driving economic growth, and empowering our communities. As the construction progresses, we will create employment for local workers, stimulate local businesses, and foster a spirit of empowerment and inclusivity.

Not only for the communities and stakeholders but also, for the gains this Project presents equally extends to the partners. With a MYTO load allocation of 513 MW, an addition of 30 MW edges Eko DisCo towards meeting its demand requirement to its customers. And with an increased capacity, there is the incentive to surpass the demand soon.”

He added that the project when completed will increase, efficient and reliable supply to customers, increase revenue, incentive for undertaking capital investment in the network and expansion projects, and Increase the propensity to surpass market obligations.

Positive regulatory outlook in terms of meeting Key Performance Indicators.

We are acutely aware that the success of this Project hinges on the support and trust of our

stakeholders. We assure you that we will uphold the highest standards of transparency,

accountability, and service.

We are already working closely and proactively with regulatory authorities, government  agencies, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration of

this Project.”