Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Edo State Government’s renewable energy programme being implemented in partnership with Oando Energy will result in the construction of wind turbines across three locations in the three senatorial districts of the State to boost commercial activities and grow the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The locations, according to studies by Oando Energies, will be at Uhunmwonde, Uromi and Akoko Edo, where energy currents are high.
The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh, who disclosed this in a chat with journalists, noted that the state government is looking at serving areas with increased economic activity with wind energy operated by partners.
According to him, “Oando has carried out their audit and came up with the report that there is a heavy wind current in a part of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. They have opened discussions with the local government chairman.
“The other location is between Uromi and Ubiaja, close to the railway bridge, where there is also a strong wind current. Another one will be situated between Etsako and Akoko Edo, close to the Igbira camp.”
He noted that the company has identified the areas where they will install the turbines to harvest wind energy, generate power and sell to willing buyers, adding “They are set to fit the meteorological mast to take record of the wind in the area. These are part of the renewable programme we have to drive industrialization.”
The Commissioner added that the renewable energy programme is targeted at industrial zones in the State, which is why the company is conducting an energy audit in Ikpeshi, Akoko Edo Local Government, where a lot of mining activities are ongoing.
“Oando Energy is set to construct a plant in the area to serve the investors in the economy. So, the renewable energy programme is targeted at solving energy issues in these clusters,” he added.