TCN Adds 600MW to Boost National Grid

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it has strengthened the national grid with an additional 600 megawatts of electricity, following the completion and commissioning of a key transmission project in Edo State.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, disclosed this on Thursday during the official commissioning of the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In-Turn-Out Transmission Line Project.

Abdulaziz described the development as a significant milestone in efforts to expand Nigeria’s transmission capacity and improve the evacuation of bulk electricity from generation points to distribution centres across the country.

He explained that the project involved the strategic connection of the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission line to the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, resulting in two new transmission routes spanning about 14 kilometres.

According to him, the new infrastructure has improved operational flexibility within the transmission network and strengthened power delivery along the Benin corridor.

“With the completion of this strategic project, we have increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor,” Abdulaziz said.

He added that the upgrade would enhance TCN’s ability to evacuate electricity generated by key power plants, including Azura Power Plant and facilities operated by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

Abdulaziz noted that the project would also help reduce transmission bottlenecks, improve grid stability and enable distribution companies access more bulk electricity for supply to consumers nationwide.

He stressed that the national grid structure now makes it possible to wheel electricity more efficiently across different regions, ensuring wider distribution of available power.

“Beyond the enhanced flexibility in power evacuation, this project is another step towards building a strong and efficient transmission grid. It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the power sector,” he said.

The TCN boss further explained that the new transmission link addresses previous challenges where generated electricity could not be fully evacuated due to infrastructure limitations.

“Before, there was power being generated without evacuation, but now we are going to evacuate more power, which means Nigerians would be getting more power supply,” he added.

The company said the project forms part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s power transmission network and improve electricity reliability across the country.