The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has officially handed over the rehabilitation of the Gbarain Power Plant to a joint venture between TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric for the replacement of the plant’s burnt Power Control Module (PCM), a move expected to pave the way for the recommissioning of the 225-megawatt facility.
This is according to Nazo Agim, Head, Corporate Communication and External Relations, NDPHC in a Statement made available to TV360 in Abuja.
The handover ceremony marks a significant milestone in efforts to restore the Bayelsa State power plant, which suffered a major setback after its PCM was destroyed by fire in November 2020, just months before it was due for commissioning.
Speaking at the ceremony, NDPHC’s General Manager, Generation Projects, Engr. Ginsau Idris, said the extensive damage caused by the fire made the replacement of the PCM unavoidable. He expressed confidence in the contractors, noting that all parties had a clear understanding of their responsibilities and were committed to delivering the project within schedule.
NDPHC’s Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, described the 2020 fire incident as a significant setback to the project but commended the company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for driving efforts to revive the plant.
Kassim also disclosed that complementary infrastructure, including access roads and support buildings, is currently under construction. He described the Gbarain Power Plant as a strategic national asset, citing its proximity to gas supply sources as a major advantage for efficient power generation.
Managing Director of TILT Energy Limited, Mr. Deji Awodeji, assured stakeholders that the joint venture would complete the rehabilitation within, or possibly ahead of, the 12-month timeline without compromising quality.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the contractors to restoring the plant to operation as quickly as possible.
In her remarks, NDPHC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, said the rehabilitation project was prioritised after the Gbarain Power Plant was identified as a “low-hanging fruit” capable of delivering a rapid increase in electricity generation.
She said the company secured the necessary approvals and funding in record time, expressing confidence in the capacity of the contractors to execute the project successfully.
According to Adighije, replacing the burnt PCM will facilitate the recommissioning of the 225MW plant, boost electricity supply to the national grid and support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony concluded with an inspection of ongoing works at the project site by NDPHC management, contractors and other stakeholders.
