Power Minister Assures Nigerians of Grid Stability Amidst 12 Grid Collapses in 2024
Despite 12 grid collapses recorded in 2024, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has assured Nigerians of significant improvements in grid stability with the completion of phase one of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens project.
Speaking after a closed-door meeting with German officials during the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Abuja, Adelabu highlighted the progress made under the bilateral energy partnership between Nigeria and Germany.
He revealed that the pilot phase of the PPI, initiated after the agreement signing at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, is nearing completion. This phase included the importation and installation of 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations, which have added 750 megawatts to Nigeria’s transmission grid capacity. Adelabu stated that the commissioning of the remaining two units before the year’s end would boost capacity by an additional 150 megawatts.
“The relative stability we are seeing in the grid today is the direct positive impact of the pilot stage completion,” Adelabu remarked.
Advancing to Phase One
Adelabu outlined that the success of the pilot phase sets the stage for phase one, which involves rehabilitating 14 existing substations and establishing 23 new substations nationwide. The commercial aspects of the initial batch are finalized, pending approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“When we are done with the phase one project in the transmission, the entire grid will not remain the same,” the Minister assured. He emphasized the need to revamp the outdated and fragile grid for long-term stability.
Renewable Energy and Localized Power Generation
Adelabu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and emphasized renewable energy’s role in the country’s energy transition plan. Highlighting Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, including over 10 hours of daily sunshine, wind resources, and underutilized dams, he stressed the potential for renewable energy development.
Collaborations with Germany, leveraging its advanced technology, have bolstered projects like grid extensions and renewable energy initiatives. Adelabu also discussed implementing a distributed power model to enable localized power generation across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This approach aims to protect states from national grid disruptions and expand energy access in rural areas.
German Partnership and Investor Interest
The meeting with German officials also focused on accelerating the implementation of existing agreements under the bilateral energy partnership. Adelabu acknowledged Germany’s support through its development agency, GIZ, and significant interest from German private investors in Nigeria’s solar, wind, and hydroelectric sectors.
“We are confident these collaborations will drive progress toward Nigeria’s renewable energy goals and provide sustainable power solutions,” Adelabu concluded.
Source: Business Standard
