The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has officially handed over the rehabilitation of its Gbarain Power Plant to a joint venture comprising TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric for the replacement of the plant’s burnt power control module (PCM).
According to the NDPHC, this marked a significant milestone in efforts to restore the 225MW facility.
A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the company’s Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations, Nazo Agim, quoted the NDPHC’s General Manager, Generation Projects, Engr. Ginsau Idris, speaking during the handing-over ceremony
He said the PCM was extensively damaged by fire, making its replacement imperative.
Idris expressed confidence in the contractors, noting that all parties clearly understood their responsibilities and were committed to delivering the project successfully and on schedule.
Also speaking is the NDPHC’s Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, who recalled that the PCM was destroyed by fire in November 2020, just months before the plant was due for commissioning.
Kassim, who described the incident as a major setback to the project, commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for championing the revival of the project.
Kassim also disclosed that complementary infrastructure, including access roads and support buildings, is under construction, describing the Gbarain Power Plant as a strategic asset because of its proximity to gas supply.
On his apart, the Managing Director of TILT Energy Limited, Mr Deji Awodeji, assured stakeholders that the joint venture would complete the rehabilitation within, and possibly ahead of, the 12-month project timeline without compromising quality.
He reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to restoring the plant to operation as quickly as possible.
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, said the project was prioritised after the Gbarain Power Plant was identified as a “low-hanging fruit” capable of delivering a quick boost to electricity generation.
She explained that NDPHC secured the necessary approvals and funding in record time and expressed confidence in the contractors’ capacity to execute the project successfully.
According to her, replacing the burnt PCM will pave the way for the recommissioning of the 225MW power plant, thereby strengthening electricity supply and supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony also featured the inspection of ongoing works at the project site by NDPHC management, contractors and other stakeholders.
(The Whistler)