ORHIONMWON – The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has said that the Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL) would commence commercial operation in July 2022.

Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, stated this during a facility tour of the company in Egbokor, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State,

Wabote said “The plan is that on July 18, DPR (sic) will come and do the final check in terms of giving us approval to introduce hydrocarbon into the refinery.

“So, between now (yesterday ) and the end of July this Modular Refinery in addition to the one we have in Ibigwe will become operational.

“This will be the second refinery that will switch on in July. Currently, one of our refineries is working, which is Watersmith modular refinery that is producing 5,000bpd and serving the eastern market.

” In terms of our modular refinery operation, by July, this one will go live to tell you that there are modular refineries working in the country.

“There has been substantial improvements. In March, we were here to do our inspection and also had a board meeting. During the meeting, the board mandated duport to carry out a lot of activities with a view to officially commissioning this in June.

“This is the rainy season and they have got off to work. Between March and now, what I have seen is a marked improvements in terms of installation of the GPF, completion of the refinery installation. This is an energy park with a data center that is currently operational,” Wabote said.

Dr Akintoye Akindele, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Duport Midstream Company Limited (DMCL), on his part, said production will begin after the final assessment of the facility is done by the regulatory agency.

“At the moment, we can process 60-million-scf of gas daily. This refinery is a 10,000 barrel per day refinery, starting with 2,500 barrel per day.

“The power plant capacity is over 50 megawatts and we are starting with five megawatts. We have a 32 racks data center that can go up to 100 racks.

“What we have not done is to introduce hydrocarbons into it. We are fully done, fully installed. However, the way it works, is, you must get the regulator who will come to do final work through before we start full commercial production.

“We expect that to be completed by July 28 and then full commercial production will start. It is now no more in progress or under construction, it is done. Regulatory agencies must give right to start commercial operations.

“Without the NCDMB, this will not be possible. Not only did they invest in us, they held our hands through the process, supporting us, guiding us and letting us tap into their experiences.

“This government has been very supportive of the energy sector. Not only did they pass the PIA bill, invest in local companies.

“Today in Nigeria, we have three refineries working in Nigeria, we have Watersmith, we have Niger Delta and this one is the third. Two of them are funded by the NCDMB.

“They have supported the capital and policies. On behalf of my management team, I want to say thank you to the government,” he added.