Friday, 29th March 2024
To guardian.ng
Search

Govt unveils plans for electricity sector in 2015

By Roseline Okere
14 April 2015   |   11:41 pm
The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) has set a target of 5,000 Mega Watts (MW) of electricity for the second quarter of this year.

Power Transformers… Reviews target to 5,000mw in second quarter

The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) has set a target of 5,000 Mega Watts (MW) of electricity for the second quarter of this year.

The Acting Chairman, Adeyinka Clement Oke, in the agency’s review of 2014 and plans for 2015, disclosed that the projection for service delivery of 6,000 MW in 2014 was truncated to 5,000 MW mid-year, due to delays in the attainment of projected additional gas supply (which were expected to release more power in the West), the non- completion of major transmission projects and non- utilization of stranded gas and power in the eastern part of the country.

According to him, despite the delays, a new national energy peak of 99,450.60 MWH was reached in October 2014.   He noted however, that subsequent efforts made to attain the revised projection of 5,000 MW continue to be frustrated by the vandalism of Trans Forcados Crude oil pipeline (TFP) and, the Escravos to Warri gas pipeline in the West, and the Trans Niger Crude oil Pipeline (TNP) in the East.

Increased supervision of these lines is being put in place, as an attempt to reduce the frequency of such occurrences.   He noted that the attainment of the revised target of 5,000 MW is now projected for end of second quarter of 2015 provided the issue of vandalism is mitigated and the North-South Loop transmission line is completed.

Oke stated: “The problem of high system frequency, typically an indication of load imbalance, which limits load supply and distribution in the grid at energy levels in excess of 4,000 MW is a major threat that could prevent reaching and exceeding 5,000 MW and beyond.

This issue is being addressed by the System Operator (SO) through improved system management, Transmission Company of Nigeria through (TCN) improving power offtake interfaces at DisCo off take points, while the DisCos are looking at the possibility of taking more load.

To prevent future occurrences, there is a dire need to carry out, as quickly as possible, a national load demand study, which should facilitate an engineered and coordinated development of the power grid, for the resultant outcome of a functional and realistic development of a power network that will meet required demand and ascertain the true grid demand.

“The good news, as we look down the road in 2015, is that upon completion of a section of the North-South loop, which is currently projected for the end of Quarter 2, substantial additional power is expected to be generated into the grid, with an associated improvement in system stability.

From our vantage point, we believe that this year holds the potential for the attainment of new power and energy peaks for the nation”.   He added that in 2015, PTFP, consistent with its mandate, will continue to monitor, facilitate and catalyze the development of the electricity market across the fuel to power value chain, to ensure its sustainability and viability, facilitate the successful implementation of TEM and fast track the enhancement of service delivery – all key factors for improved power supply for the growth of the Nigerian economy and the improvement of quality of life for its citizens.

“We will seek to continue our work, with all public and private industry stakeholders, monitoring, facilitating and catalyzing the activities of the sector.

“On a personal note, 2014 saw a change in the PTFP leadership with the resignation of the immediate past Chairman, Engr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, who after 2 successful years at the PTFP helm, chose to answer a national calling. Under his chairmanship, the Task Force was integral in providing technical support to various sector agencies, was a catalyst in the milestone privatisation exercise as well as a driver for sector performance”.

0 Comments