By Adelabu Jumoke
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has officially commenced the rehabilitation of its 225MW Gbarain Power Plant with the handover of the project to a joint venture between TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric for the replacement of the plant's fire-damaged Power Control Module (PCM).
The handover marks a major milestone in NDPHC's efforts to restore the Bayelsa-based power plant, which has remained idle since a devastating fire destroyed the PCM in November 2020, just months before the facility was scheduled for commissioning.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the General Manager, Generation Projects at NDPHC, Engr. Ginsau Idris, said the extensive damage caused by the fire made the replacement of the PCM unavoidable.
He expressed confidence in the contractors' ability to deliver the project within schedule, noting that all stakeholders clearly understood their responsibilities and were committed to ensuring its successful execution.
Also speaking, NDPHC's Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, described the 2020 fire incident as a significant setback to the company's generation expansion plans.
Managing Director of NDPHC, Engr Jennifer Adighije (2nd right), addressing company's officials during official handing over of Gbararain Power Plant rehabilitation project to TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric in Bayelsa State, recently.
He commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for driving the revival of the project and ensuring that the necessary approvals and funding were secured.
Kassim disclosed that complementary infrastructure, including access roads and support facilities, is also under construction. He noted that the Gbarain Power Plant remains a strategic national asset due to its close proximity to a reliable gas supply source.
Managing Director of TILT Energy Limited, Mr. Deji Awodeji, assured stakeholders that the joint venture would deliver the rehabilitation project within, or even ahead of, the 12-month completion timeline without compromising quality.
He reaffirmed the commitment of both partners to restoring the power plant to operation as quickly as possible.
Earlier, NDPHC Managing Director and CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, explained that the Gbarain Power Plant was prioritised because it was identified as a "low-hanging fruit" capable of delivering an immediate boost to Nigeria's electricity generation capacity.
She said the company secured all necessary approvals and funding in record time and expressed confidence in the technical competence of the contractors handling the rehabilitation.
According to Adighije, replacing the burnt Power Control Module will enable the recommissioning of the 225MW power plant, strengthening electricity supply and supporting the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The handover ceremony concluded with an inspection of ongoing infrastructure works at the project site by NDPHC management, contractors and other stakeholders, signalling the formal commencement of the rehabilitation programme.
