Zungeru hydropower to produce 2.64bn kWh of electricity annually in Nigeria

The Nigerian government has revealed that the Zungeru hydropower project will produce 2.64bn kWh of electricity annually in the country.

The government has, therefore, handed over the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant operations to Penstock Limited to boost the nation’s power generation capacity and meet growing energy demands.

Presidency spokesman, Dada Olusegun, announced this in a statement, revealing that the 740 MW facility will also provide flood protection and water for irrigation.

Dada stated that the concession agreement was signed on December 13, 2023, by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and Penstock Limited.

Following the Council approval, the concessionaire fulfilled its obligation by paying 50% of the commencement fees on January 5, 2024.

The 740 MW Zungeru power facility, located at the upper and middle reaches of River Kaduna in Niger State, is the largest hydropower project in Nigeria.

“The facility is expected to produce 2.64bn kWh of electricity annually and meet around 10% of Nigeria’s total domestic energy requirements,” Dada disclosed.

“The Zungeru hydropower project will provide power generation, flood protection, and water for irrigation.

“The project includes a roller-concrete compacted dam, an intake tower and diversion tunnel, an underground powerhouse, a power transmission line, and an access road.”

According to the Presidency spokesman, the project is also expected to provide employment opportunities to more than 2,000 people during the peak construction period.