TCN adds 600MW to national grid

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced an addition of 600 megawatts to the national grid following the commissioning of the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In-Turn-Out Transmission Line Project in Edo State.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, disclosed this during the official commissioning ceremony, noting that the project marks a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improve power evacuation nationwide.

According to him, the project involves the strategic linking of the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission line to the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, creating two new transmission routes spanning about 14 kilometres.

“This project involves the strategic linking of the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission line to the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, creating two new transmission routes with a total length of 14 kilometres,” Abdulaziz said.

He explained that the development enhances operational flexibility, strengthens the resilience of the transmission network, and improves the evacuation of bulk electricity from power generation plants in the region, particularly Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company facilities.

Abdulaziz added that the project would help reduce transmission bottlenecks, improve system reliability, and increase access to bulk electricity for distribution companies across the country.

“With this, we have added 600 megawatts to the national grid,” he said, stressing that the upgraded infrastructure would allow electricity generated in the Benin axis to be transmitted more efficiently to other parts of Nigeria.

He further described the project as part of ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more efficient transmission system, while also enhancing collaboration within the power sector.

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