By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has formally handed over the rehabilitation of the Gbarain Power Plant to a joint venture between TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric, marking the commencement of efforts to restore the 225-megawatt (MW) power facility to operation after years of inactivity.
The project centres on the replacement of the plant’s burnt Power Control Module (PCM), which was extensively damaged in a fire that occurred in November 2020, just months before the facility was scheduled for commissioning.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, NDPHC’s General Manager, Generation Projects, Engr. Ginsau Idris, described the replacement of the damaged PCM as critical to the revival of the power plant.
He expressed confidence in the contractors, saying all parties had a clear understanding of their responsibilities and were committed to delivering the project on schedule.
Also speaking, NDPHC’s Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, recalled the devastating impact of the 2020 fire, describing it as a major setback to the company’s generation expansion programme.
Kassim commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for driving the revival of the project. He added that complementary infrastructure, including access roads and support buildings, is currently under construction, noting that the Gbarain Power Plant remains a strategic national asset due to its proximity to reliable gas supply.
Managing Director of TILT Energy Limited, Mr. Deji Awodeji, assured stakeholders that the TILT/Schneider Electric Joint Venture would deliver the rehabilitation project within, and possibly ahead of, the 12-month completion timeline without compromising quality.
He reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to restoring the plant to full operation as quickly as possible.
In her remarks, NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, said the Gbarain Power Plant was prioritised after being identified as a “low-hanging fruit” capable of providing a rapid increase in electricity generation.
She disclosed that the company secured the required approvals and funding in record time, expressing confidence in the technical competence of the contractors to execute the project successfully.
According to Adighije, the replacement of the burnt PCM will pave the way for the recommissioning of the 225MW plant, boosting electricity supply to the national grid and supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony concluded with an inspection of ongoing infrastructure works at the project site by NDPHC management, contractors and other stakeholders, signalling the official commencement of the rehabilitation programme.
