28 Power Plants Deliver 5,237MW Of Electricity In December 2024

In December 2024, 28 power plants in Nigeria generated an average of 5,237MW of electricity, with the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant contributing 624MW to boost the national grid.

The Nigerian national grid experienced a significant power generation boost in December 2024, following the integration of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant earlier in the year. According to data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), 28 grid-connected power plants collectively generated an average of 5,237 megawatts (MW) of electricity, marking a substantial improvement from the years-long average of 4,000MW.

Zungeru Hydroelectric Plant: A Game-Changer

Commissioned into the national grid on May 3, 2024, the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant added an impressive 624MW to the electricity supply. This addition elevated the total national grid capacity to over 5,000MW, providing much-needed support for Nigeria’s growing industrial sector and increasing demand for reliable electricity.

Constructed with a $1.3 billion investment in collaboration with Chinese firms, the Zungeru plant is expected to generate 2.64 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually. This output is projected to meet approximately 10% of Nigeria’s energy needs, fostering economic growth and improving energy access across the country.

Performance Analysis of Power Plants

Despite a cumulative installed capacity of 13,625MW, the operational performance of the 28 power plants highlighted some challenges. NERC’s report revealed that the plants achieved an average availability factor of just 38% during the review period.

Top Contributors to Power Generation

Larger power plants, including Egbin ST, Delta GS, Kainji, Shell’s Afam VI, Zungeru, Odukpani, Shiroro, Jebba, Okpai, Azura IPP, and Geregu, contributed a combined average of 3,974MW, representing 75% of the total energy generated in December.

Egbin ST: Highest producer, averaging 671MW
Kainji: Second highest, with 505MW
Jebba: Third, delivering 454MW

Smaller Plants and Underperformance

Smaller plants, such as Afam I-V, Sapele ST, Olorunsogo NIPP, Omotosho NIPP, Sapele GT NIPP, Ihovbor NIPP, Geregu NIPP, Omotosho, and others, generated a combined average of 1,261MW, accounting for 25% of total output. However, some plants underperformed:

Ibom Power: Produced just 15MW
Trans Amadi: Delivered only 3MW
Alaoji NIPP: Generated no power despite an installed capacity of 500MW

Challenges in Nigeria’s Power Sector

NERC’s data further revealed that the 28 plants recorded an average hourly available capacity of 4,524MWh/h in December, highlighting the gap between installed capacity and actual performance. These statistics underscore the need for enhanced efficiency and investments to address the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.