TCN MD Abdulaziz Confirms Transmission Capacity of 6,000 Megawatts, Sets Stage for Further Expansion in Nigeria’s Power Sector
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has made a significant declaration, affirming its current capacity to transmit up to 6,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to distribution centers across the nation. This announcement, which comes amidst ongoing efforts to revitalize Nigeria’s power sector, underscores the strides made by TCN in recent years under the leadership of its Managing Director, Mr. Sule Abdulaziz.
In an in-depth interview conducted in Abuja, Abdulaziz provided a comprehensive overview of TCN’s achievements over the past three years. He highlighted a series of strategic upgrades and expansions that have bolstered the company’s ability to meet the growing demands of the nation’s electricity consumers. According to Abdulaziz, these advancements were made possible through a combination of internally generated revenue (IGR) and substantial support from international donor agencies.
A key focus of TCN’s efforts has been the upgrade of existing substations and the construction of new ones, which Abdulaziz described as critical to enhancing the grid’s overall capacity. He emphasized that the company has also installed new transformers as part of a broader strategy to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity transmission across the country. These infrastructural enhancements have not only increased the grid’s capacity but also positioned TCN to handle future demand more effectively.
“The grid capacity was verified using a scientifically accepted method of capacity determination,” Abdulaziz stated, reinforcing the credibility of the company’s reported capabilities. He noted that this methodical approach ensures that TCN’s capacity claims are grounded in rigorous testing and validated through industry-standard practices.
In his detailed remarks, Abdulaziz also shed light on the strategic planning underpinning TCN’s recent developments. He mentioned that the company has devised a comprehensive list of proposed projects, categorized into batches based on their potential impact on the grid. The first batch, he explained, includes projects that require minimal investment but promise significant benefits to the grid’s capacity in a relatively short timeframe. This pragmatic approach is aimed at maximizing the return on investment while rapidly enhancing the nation’s power transmission infrastructure.
“TCN has a comprehensive list of proposed projects, which are in batches, taking into cognisance those that require little investment to benefit the grid in the first batch for quick additional capacity,” Abdulaziz elaborated. He further disclosed that the most recent grid simulation test indicated a capacity of 8,100 MW, a significant milestone that reflects the continuous improvements being made by the company.
Abdulaziz also pointed to a notable achievement in March 2021 when TCN successfully transmitted 5,801 MW from generating companies to distribution load centers nationwide. This achievement marked a high point in TCN’s operational history and set a new benchmark for the company’s performance.
“From then to date, we have continued to add more transformers, conduct transmission lines, and build new transmission substations, among other projects,” Abdulaziz stated. These ongoing efforts, he asserted, have been instrumental in strengthening the grid’s capacity, enabling TCN to comfortably transmit 6,000 MW and potentially even more before the end of the year.
In addition to these operational highlights, Abdulaziz discussed TCN’s pivotal role in the Nigerian Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), a transformative project spearheaded by the Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGNPC). The PPI, designed to address longstanding challenges in the power sector, aims to expand the capacity of both transmission and distribution networks to an operational level of 25,000 MW. This ambitious target represents a significant leap from the current levels and is intended to meet the electricity needs of Nigeria’s rapidly growing population and economy.
“The initiative is being implemented in three phases, with ongoing projects contributing to the grid’s capacity,” Abdulaziz explained. He added that the successful execution of these phases is crucial to achieving the broader goals of the PPI, which include not only increasing the available capacity but also ensuring that the expanded infrastructure is robust, reliable, and capable of sustaining the country’s long-term energy needs.
Abdulaziz’s statements reflect a deep commitment to the future of Nigeria’s power sector. Under his leadership, TCN has not only demonstrated its ability to meet current demands but also laid the groundwork for future expansion. The company’s focus on strategic upgrades, capacity verification, and alignment with national initiatives like the PPI indicates a forward-thinking approach that is essential for overcoming the challenges that have historically plagued Nigeria’s power sector.
As Nigeria continues to pursue economic growth and development, the role of electricity in driving these ambitions cannot be overstated. With TCN’s ongoing efforts to enhance transmission capacity and support broader government initiatives, there is cautious optimism that the country’s power sector could finally be on the path to delivering the reliable electricity supply that has long been elusive.
The progress made by TCN is a testament to the potential for transformation within Nigeria’s power infrastructure. However, as Abdulaziz himself acknowledges, much work remains to be done. The road ahead will require continued investment, innovative solutions, and a collaborative effort between government entities, private sector stakeholders, and international partners. As TCN moves forward with its plans, the success of these initiatives will be closely watched, not just by industry insiders but by the millions of Nigerians whose daily lives depend on a stable and reliable power supply.
In conclusion, TCN’s recent achievements, as detailed by Abdulaziz, represent a significant step forward for Nigeria’s power sector. The company’s ability to transmit 6,000 MW is not just a technical milestone but a critical component of the country’s broader economic recovery and growth strategy. As TCN continues to build on this foundation, the future of Nigeria’s power sector, and by extension its economy, looks increasingly bright.
