By Seun Ibiyemi
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has granted Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), operator of the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant, access to commence construction of two 330-kilovolt (kV) transmission bays aimed at supporting an additional 220 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation capacity.
TCN disclosed that the formal handover of the Switchyard Units IG3 and IG4 bays construction site at the Kainji Transmission Substation in Niger State took place on June 5, paving the way for the commencement of civil, electrical and mechanical works on the project.
In a statement issued in Abuja, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, said the handover was a key step toward expanding the evacuation infrastructure needed to integrate additional power generation into the national grid.
According to her, the project involves the construction of two 330kV bays that will facilitate the evacuation of electricity from two new turbines, IG3 and IG4, to be installed at the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Station.
Each turbine is expected to generate 110MW, bringing the combined additional generation capacity to 220MW.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, TCN’s General Manager, Materials Control and Stores, Mr. Abdulkadir Adamu, described the development as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission and generation value chain.
Adamu, who also chairs the Project Technical Committee, said the project would enable TCN to evacuate the additional electricity generated by MESL’s new turbines into the national grid upon completion.
He commended Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited for its cooperation and commitment to enhancing electricity supply across the country.
“The successful execution of this project will ensure that power generated by the new turbines can be efficiently transmitted through the national grid, contributing to improved electricity availability for consumers,” he said.
A notable feature of the project is that it will be fully funded and executed by MESL at no cost to TCN, underscoring growing private sector participation in critical power infrastructure development.
Adamu disclosed that the project is expected to be completed by December, after which the additional generation capacity can be integrated into the grid.
Responding, the Chief Technical Officer of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Mr. Cleber Grisi, expressed appreciation to TCN for granting access to the site and assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project within the agreed timeline.
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The expansion project is expected to boost generation output from the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant and support ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply, grid stability and energy security in Nigeria.
Industry analysts say the development highlights the importance of coordinated investments in both power generation and transmission infrastructure, as the country seeks to close longstanding electricity supply gaps and support economic growth.
Other officials present at the handover ceremony included TCN’s General Manager, Business Development, Mr. Robert Bodam; General Manager, Transmission Shiroro Region, Mr. Kabiru Suleiman; and senior technical personnel from both organisations.
