NDPHC Restores 450 MW Alaoji Power Plant

By Obas Esiesesa

Engr. Jennifer Adighije, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), announced that the 450‑megawatt Alaoji Open Cycle Power Plant in Abia State has resumed operations after a shutdown in 2023 caused by gas supply and metering disputes.

Adighije made the statement during a meeting with Abia State Governor Alex Otti, outlining the steps taken by NDPHC to revive the facility.

The plant had been shut down when discrepancies between metering and trading points led TotalEnergies to suspend gas supply, and the company had also accrued debts.

She noted that restoring the Alaoji plant had become a priority for NDPHC since she assumed office in 2024.

“The good news is that we have carried out and fixed all the remedial works on the defective gas line. We’ve also been able to completely defray our past‑due obligations to Total, and Total has restored gas supply to the plant,” Adighije said.

She added that extensive electromechanical work had been completed, enabling the restoration of three generating units—GT1, GT22, and GT23—which can now dispatch approximately 375 megawatts to the national grid.

Adighije also highlighted that the plant’s transmission infrastructure is adequate and that there are no major evacuation constraints, describing it as a viable source of grid‑imported electricity.

The NDPHC chief praised Abia State’s reforms in the electricity sector, particularly the Aba ring‑fenced power arrangement and the creation of the state electricity regulatory agency.

She said the company is leveraging the Electricity Act and the evolving bilateral electricity market to partner with states and eligible customers to improve power supply nationwide.

“We would love to form a strategic alliance with Abia State considering the fact that you are very driven and determined to secure uninterruptible electricity for the good people of Abia State,” she said.

Governor Otti responded by commending NDPHC for bringing the Alaoji plant back online, describing the development as vital to the state’s economic growth and industrial development.

He revealed that the plant could eventually be expanded to 800 megawatts and later to about 1,100 megawatts, depending on available funding.

Otti reiterated that power remains a critical driver of economic development and that his administration has prioritized electricity infrastructure since taking office in 2023.

The governor also disclosed that the state government has ring‑fenced the Umuahia electricity market and entered into an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to acquire distribution assets covering Umuahia and surrounding areas.

He estimated that the state would need about 100 megawatts to serve the eight local government areas under the Umuahia ring‑fence, while investments in renewable energy and mini‑grid projects are also underway.

The post ELECTRICITY: NDPHC restores 450MW Alaoji plant appeared first on Vanguard News.