Gap Between Installed Power Capacity and Actual Generation Crimps Nigeria's Targets

Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Nigeria is planning to achieve 10,000 megawatts (MW) of installed power capacity by the end of 2013, but various bottlenecks and transmission problems could mean that generated power will come in at a significantly lower figure.

Zainab Kuchi, the country's Minister of Power, said that generation capacity stood at 6,442 MW at the end of 2012, as she announced the 2013 target. But peak generation actually achieved in 2012 was the 4,517 MW recorded on December 23. Factors such as non-availability of gas feed, breakdowns and inadequate evacuation capacity have impeded the translation of generation capacity into actual power available to consumers.

The minister said other plans for 2013 include diversification of the nation's energy sources; scaling up of rural access to electricity; and stimulating investment in the sector by fostering bilateral relations.

"The ministry will also focus on developing new initiatives to address post-privatization challenges," she said.

Transaction advisers have been appointed for the concession of small and medium hydro power projects. A 40-MW hydro plant will be completed this year. Kuchi said that the Katsina I windfarm was ready for inauguration, but was being delayed due to the current security challenges in the area.

Arrangements have been made to borrow from the African Development Bank to support the expansion of the country's transmission capacity.

Kuchi listed achievements in power transmission, including 239 kilometers of a 330-kV (kilovolt) line; completion of 21 kilometers of a 132-kV transmission lines; and the inauguration of 600 megavolt-ampere 330/132/33-kV substation capacity.

But, she did not give full details on how the 10,000-MW target was to be reached this year. For related information, see December 7, 2012, article - Perfect Storm of Faults and Maintenance Shutdowns Causes Nigerian Power Outage.

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