As part of efforts to enenhan the power sector, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), says it has completed the installation and commissioned into service, one new 300MVA 330/132/33kV transformer in its Alaoji transmission substation in Abia.
Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs who said this in statement in Abuja on Monday, explained that the company also transported a new 150MVA, 330/132/33kV transformer from Apapa port in Lagos to Kumbotso substation in Kano.
She said the new transformer to Kumbotso substation would replace one of the four 150MVA transformers taken out for repairs.
“The new 300MVA power transformer, energised on Feb. 12, in Alaoji substation had increased the station’s installed capacity from 450MVA to 750MVA.
“This made the substation the biggest in the Southern part of the country and also made the station consistent with redundancy requirement of N-1.
“With this development, TCN has increased its capacity to wheel power to Enugu distribution company to supply electricity to Abia North, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Item, Abriba , Okigwe, Arondizuogu, parts of Ebonyi and Rivers.
“TCN’s projects under construction will also benefit from the newly energised 300MVA transformer. The listed projects include; four 132KV substations at Okigwe, Mbano, Ohafia and Arochukwu which are awaiting completion.
“The energised 300MVA transformer will also enhance evacuation of power generated into the 132KV grid network from the Alaoji National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) and Afam power stations,’’ Mbah said.
She said installation of the transformer was done by Power Control Company with active support of TCN engineers in Aba sub-region.
Mbah said the new 150MVA, 330/132/33kV power transformer arrived Kumbotso substation on Feb. 15, from the port, adding that the installation would commence immediately the transformer was placed on the platform.
According to her, the new transformer is an addition to the recently repaired 150MVA power transformer which got burnt five years ago in Kumbotso substation.
“It is noteworthy that it is the first time a badly damaged 150MVA was repaired in the history of Nigerian power sector.
“As soon as the installation of the new 1X150MVA transformer is completed, the capacity of Kumbotso will become 4X150MVA and will further improve bulk power supply to Dakata, Wudil and Dan Agundi in Kano.
“Other areas are Dutse and Hadeja in Jigawa State, Azare in Bauchi State, Katsina, Kankia, and Daura in Katsina and finally to Maradi and Gazawa in Niger Republic respectively,’’ she said.
