Grid Collapse: FG To Add 150 Megawatts Before January

 

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced plans to add 150 megawatts of electricity to Nigeria’s national grid before January 2025.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Adelabu said this move is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the fragile and aging grid.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports tha the minister made the disclosure following a bilateral meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnership in revamping the grid.

Adelabu highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing relationship with Germany in the energy sector, particularly through the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative.

“This bilateral relationship is centered on the Siemens project, which involves upgrading transmission infrastructure through Brownfield and Greenfield substation projects. We’ve made significant progress, with about 80% completion of the pilot phase, including the installation and commissioning of 10 power transformers and mobile substations,” he said.

He explained that the pilot phase has already boosted the grid’s transmission capacity by 750 megawatts, contributing to the relative stability currently being experienced. Adelabu expressed optimism that the additional 150 megawatts would be achieved before the year ends, as the pilot phase wraps up.

Looking ahead, the minister revealed plans to rehabilitate 14 existing substations and build 23 new ones across the country under Phase One of the Siemens project. “Once completed, this initiative will significantly transform our grid,” Adelabu stated.

On renewable energy, Adelabu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through partnerships with technologically advanced countries like Germany.

He highlighted Nigeria’s untapped potential in solar and wind energy, citing the country’s abundant sunshine and coastal wind resources.

Adelabu also advocated for decentralized power generation, suggesting that each state and the Federal Capital Territory should establish independent power plants.

He noted that such an off-grid system would shield states from disruptions on the national grid.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing the nation’s electricity challenges, ensuring long-term stability and sustainability.