By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The House of Representatives has promised to collaborate with Egbin Power Plc as a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian electricity sector for an improved power generation in the country.

The lower chamber of the National Assembly made this pledge when its Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation visited the Lagos-based energy firm for an oversight visit recently.

The chairman of the panel, Mr Hamisu Ibrahim, partnering with the stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) was necessary to improve power supply in the country.

He explained that the reason for the visit was to understand the challenges facing the GenCo and subsequently explore ways to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.

The lawmaker noted that the issues highlighted by Egbin Power were similar to those affecting other generation companies, stating that performance in the power sector will improve when challenges are carefully addressed through deliberation and collaboration with other stakeholders. He further commended Egbin Power for its commitment to national service.

“We are impressed with the operations of Egbin Power Plant. We will do everything possible at the National Assembly level to partner with Egbin Power to improve its performance,” Mr Ibrahim said.

While taking the team to a tour of the power plant, the chief executive of Egbin Power, Mr Mokhtar Bounour, emphasised that the company remains committed to providing stable and reliable power generation to drive socio-economic progress in Nigeria, though he said some constraints impact the organisation’s operations, which, in turn, affect its ability to operate at optimal capacity.

“Power is an essential utility that drives socio-economic progress. That is why we are focused on delivering best-in-class service, bringing energy to life responsibly in line with global best practices. Since the takeover, Egbin Power has continuously invested in the plant, our people, and the environment.

“To enable us to operate more efficiently, we have significantly enhanced our health and safety measures, upgraded our Distributed Control System for five units, ensured capacity building and development for our staff, provided a conducive work environment for our employees, and created sustainable initiatives that promote good health and support biodiversity, among other major investments made by the management over years,” Mr Bounour informed the guests, noting that the GenCo will continue to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth through innovative solutions and technology.

Also present at the meeting were other members of the committee, Abdulmaleek Danga, Shehu Dalhatu, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, Sa’ad Wada Taura, Hon. Ganiyu Ayuba, as well as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, who applauded Egbin Power for its efficiency and continuous effort towards delivering reliable electricity supply to drive the economy.

“Great job being done by the board, management, and entire staff of Egbin Power Plant in terms of best practice, technical excellence, and operational sustainability.

“Without a doubt, this is more than a commendable effort considering the plant’s contribution to national growth and economic development, particularly in NESI. Bravo, and keep the flag flying,” he enthused.

By Adedapo Adesanya

A technology group, Wärtsilä, will build, operate, and maintain, a new 30 MW power plant being for a Nigerian independent power producer (IPP) in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The facility will be operated for five years on behalf of the customer identified as Victoria Island Power Limited (VIPL), the special purpose company incorporated by Lagos-based Elektron Energy for this project.

The power plant will comprise three Wärtsilä 34SG gas engine-generator sets with related auxiliaries and is configured to accommodate an extension with one additional engine-generator set at a later stage.

The Wärtsilä modular power plant design concept enables this in a cost-effective manner with minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

This project is a first-of-its-kind for Nigeria and is expected to serve as a model to enable similar, optimally sized and locally financed power projects in the country.

This model means means the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) responsibility, together with the operation and maintenance (O&M) agreement, will be handled by Wärtsilä.

The equipment supply contract was booked by Wärtsilä in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The power plant running on natural gas will be embedded within the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) at their NEPA Close Site and has been developed through the collaborative efforts of Elektron Energy and their local partners.

The plant will enhance the availability and reliability of power supply to the consumers served by EKEDC.

VIPL has also secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) with individual customers on a service-based tariff philosophy.

“Elektron has conceptualised, developed, and funded the IPP and has secured the implementation by engaging Wärtsilä to assume single point responsibility for the major construction and operational aspects related to the eventual power generation facility. This pioneering project relies on reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology that has the efficiency and flexibility to deliver clean and reliable electricity to our customers”, says Mr Deen Solebo, Co-CEO & CFO at Elektron Energy.

“I was very impressed by Wärtsilä’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities during my visit to the Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland in late Q3 2024 and am happy with the readiness of the engine-generator sets. In parallel, clearing and preparation activities at the NEPA Close Site are progressing well and are due for completion within Q2 2025, after which construction can start. Commissioning is expected 15 months thereafter and the Operations & Maintenance agreement is timed to commence prior to the new build project reaching commercial operations date (COD)”, Mr Solebo added.

“Wärtsilä’s core competence in the engine power plant and services aspects represents a unique combination of a global company with a local presence that provides developers and financiers the comfort to invest and gives end-customers the confidence to sign up for PPA’s with medium to long-term tenures. The Wärtsilä solution is extensively adopted by industrial, utility & IPP customers worldwide and the excellent credentials and track record have been recognised as a great value proposition by lenders, insurance companies, and multi-lateral funding institutions,” says Mr Marc Thiriet, Energy Business Director, Africa at Wärtsilä Energy.

“Elektron is especially grateful to the invaluable contributions of its institutional investors and funding partners who have made this project possible including ARM Harith Infrastructure Fund LP, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, InfraCredit, Bank of Industry, FBN Quest, and Stanbic Infrastructure Partners,” Mr Solebo added.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals said it would partner with Vinmar Group, an international petrochemicals distribution company, to bring Dangote polypropylene to global markets.

In March, Dangote Refinery commenced operating its 830,000 metric tonnes per year polypropylene facility in Lagos in 25kg bags for the local market.

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that is commonly used in plastic packaging, textiles, reusable shopping bags, surgical equipment, household chairs, and kitchen utensils

“We’re pleased to partner Vinmar to introduce Dangote Polypropylene to the global markets,” said Fatima Aliko Dangote, an executive director at Dangote Group at the launch of the facility on Wednesday.

The company had previously said its $2 billion petrochemical plant located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, is designed to produce 77 different high-performance grades of polypropylene in the country.

With a turnover of $1.2 billion, the Dangote Petrochemical plant, situated alongside the Dangote Refinery, is positioned to cater to the demands of the growing plastic processing downstream industries, not only in Africa but also in other parts of the world.

“We have 77 types of polypropylene, which can be used for different purposes, and we can produce it from our petrochemical plant. Currently, the plant is capable of producing about 900,000 tonnes of polypropylene per annum. Our Petrochemical plant should be the biggest in Africa,” Mr Devakumar Edwin, now the Vice President of Dangote Industries Limited said earlier this year.

Nigeria currently imports 90 per cent of its annual polypropylene requirements amounting to 250,000 metric tonnes per year.

The Dangote facility seeks to not only meet local demand but become a net exporter.

Now fully operational, the facility is set to become Africa’s largest polypropylene production site, producing from two polypropylene units with capacities of 500,000 metric tonnes per year and 330,000 metric tonnes per year.