TCN takes delivery of 15 new power transformers

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) took delivery of 15 brand new power transformers from the Apapa port, Lagos, earlier last week.

The transformers comprise 10 60MVA 132/33kV and five 150MVA 330/132kV capacity transformers delivered to TCN Central Store in Ojo, Lagos State, for onward delivery to various TCN project sites nationwide.

According to Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, the contract for the supply of the transformers, under the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP), was funded by the World Bank. TCN, however, decides on the project site where the transformers will be installed.

On installation and connection to the grid, he said the 10 60MVA 132/33kV power transformers and five 150MVA 330/132kV transformers would add 637MW and 850MW, respectively, to the transmission network, consequently increasing total capacity of the transmission system by 1487MW, while ensuring N-1 reliability criteria in the substations, which is strategic in enhancing grid stability.

Abdulaziz noted that earlier in August, last year, the World Bank also funded transformer supply contracts, which brought in 10 60MVA132/33kV transformers and 25 earthing transformers.

Out of the 10 60MVA transformers, five were installed in Karu and Gombe sub-stations, two are currently being installed in Kano, and one in Lagos State.

“This is the first time in the history of TCN that it took delivery of large numbers of transformers within a short period. These are milestone achievements for TCN, as it strives to implement its short-term development plan under the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion, and Rehabilitation Programme (NEGMERP),” he said.

“The World Bank-sponsored NETAP project is only one of the TCN donor-funded projects aimed at expanding the transmission grid, while also prioritising maintenance of existing transmission infrastructures,” he said.

TCN is equally executing several projects funded by the Agence Français de Développement (AFD). On the other hand, process for projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) is progressing very fast and TCN will soon sign contracts for 330kV and 132kV sub-stations.

Meanwhile, the procurement of consultants for projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will soon commence.