Plans afoot to modernise generation unit at Nigerian hydro plant
Technology group Andritz has been commissioned by Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd to modernise a generation unit at Jebba hydroelectric power plant on the Niger River.
Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd is a privately owned power generating company in Nigeria, licenced to operate the Kainji and Jebba hydroelectric power plants through a concession agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The contract is valued at more than $36 million (€30 million). Commissioning is planned for the beginning of 2024.
The Jebba hydroelectric power plant is located in Niger State in the north-central part of Nigeria and was originally commissioned in 1985. It is situated 100kms downstream of the Kainji hydroelectric power plant and is equipped with six fixed blade propeller-type turbines with a generating capacity of 96.4MW each. This results in a total installed capacity of 578.4MW. Five of the units are available for generation but the sixth has been out of operation since a fire in April 2009.
The new equipment will repower the hydro plant and boost the energy production of Nigeria. Power Africa says while Nigeria has an installed capacity of 12,522MW (2,380MW of that being hydropower), on any given day it only generates around 4,000MW. Jebba has not only been affected by one downed turbine, but also by water management constraints on the River Niger dam.
The objective of the general rehabilitation programme will be to extend equipment service life for the next 40 years, improve reliability and ensure compliance of the frequency and voltage regulation with the national grid code. Andritz will supply and service the entire electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical equipment for unit 2G6, including a 96.4MW turbine, a 103MVA generator, transformer, outdoor switchyard and accessory equipment and the intake gate.
Source: ESI Africa