Electricity: 750 Megawatts Added to National Grid Capacity – Adelabu
Nigeria’s national grid capacity has received a significant boost, with the addition of 750 megawatts through the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative, according to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu.
Speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, Adelabu attributed the improvement to the progress made under the ongoing project. He explained that the pilot phase of the initiative had successfully increased Nigeria’s transmission grid capacity by 750 megawatts, which has contributed to the relative stability observed in the national grid.
“This pilot phase has added nothing less than 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity, which is why the relative stability that we are seeing in the grid today is a direct positive impact of the pilot stage completion,” Adelabu stated.
The pilot phase, which began following an agreement signed at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, involved the importation, installation, and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations. Adelabu confirmed that eight of these transformers have been fully commissioned, with the remaining two expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, the Minister revealed plans to add another 150 megawatts to the grid by the end of 2024, marking the conclusion of the pilot phase. “We believe that before the end of the year, an additional 150 megawatts capacity will be added,” he added.
Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading Nigeria’s aging and fragile power grid. He expressed optimism about the ongoing Presidential Power Initiative, which includes subsequent phases of rehabilitation and expansion, aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The Siemens Presidential Power Initiative is a partnership between Nigeria and Germany, focused on modernizing the national power grid and improving energy access for Nigeria’s growing population.
The Minister also discussed Nigeria’s commitment to renewable energy, in alignment with its Energy Transition Plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. With abundant natural resources—such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric potential—Nigeria is poised to tap into clean energy resources.
“Over 30 states in Nigeria enjoy a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily, and we also have access to both desert and coastal winds. With over 300 dams across the country, there’s untapped potential for hydroelectric power,” Adelabu said.
He highlighted that infrastructure developments like the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Badagry-Sokoto road are expected to further enhance access to these energy resources.
The Minister also stressed the importance of off-grid power systems to address energy challenges. He emphasized the need for a distributed power model where each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will have their own generating plants, ensuring backup power during national grid failures.
Germany continues to be a key partner in Nigeria’s energy ambitions. The country’s development agency, GIZ, has played a pivotal role in grid extension projects and renewable energy initiatives. Furthermore, private German investors have shown interest in Nigeria’s solar, wind, and hydroelectric power sectors.
While no new agreements were signed during the latest discussions, Adelabu confirmed that efforts were focused on accelerating the implementation of existing agreements. “With Germany’s technology and our natural resources, we are confident that this partnership will expand energy access for Nigerians and support our transition to a sustainable energy future,” Adelabu concluded.
