Testing has commenced on the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant, with a capacity of 700 megawatts, in preparation for its integration into the national grid, as announced by the Federal Government on Sunday.
The project, valued at $1.3 billion, situated in Niger State, has been officially connected to the national grid, contrary to previous claims suggesting otherwise.
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, provided insights into the project in response to industry queries. He emphasized that the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant ranks as Nigeria’s second-largest hydroelectric facility, following the Kainji Dam. Located near Zungeru town on the Kaduna River, Niger State, the plant is anticipated to produce 2.64 billion kilowatt-hour of electricity annually, meeting approximately 10 per cent of the country’s domestic energy demands.
The Minister highlighted the involvement of Chinese consortium firms, namely Sinohydro Corporation Limited and China National Electric Engineering Company, in the project’s construction. He underscored the plant’s multifunctional aspects, including flood control, irrigation, and fish breeding facilities.
Industry analysts anticipate the project to significantly bolster Nigeria’s power generation capacity and contribute to regional economic development.
Adelabu clarified that the project’s construction and concession processes have been completed. Mainstream Energy Limited, the current operators of Kainji and Jabba hydroelectric power plants, have assumed responsibility for the Zungeru plant.
He further elaborated on the technical handover process from the Chinese consultants to the concessionaire, emphasizing a one-year defect liability period for addressing any operational issues.
The Minister assured concerted efforts between the government, concessionaire, Ministry of Power, and the Bureau for Public Enterprise to ensure the seamless technical handover of the plant.
Testing and power generation commenced on Saturday, with an estimated duration of one to two weeks, culminating in full-scale production thereafter.
