The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has handed over the rehabilitation of the Gbarain Power Plant to a joint venture comprising TILT Energy Limited and Schneider Electric, paving the way for the replacement of the facility's burnt Power Control Module (PCM) and the eventual restoration of its 225-megawatt generation capacity.
The handover marks a major step in reviving the Bayelsa-based power plant, whose commissioning was stalled after a fire destroyed the PCM in November 2020.
Speaking at the handover 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, saying they fully understood the project's scope and were committed to delivering it on schedule.
According to a statement issued on Friday by NDPHC's Head of Corporate Communication and External Relations, Naso Agim, the company believes the rehabilitation project will significantly advance efforts to restore the plant to operation.
NDPHC Executive Director, Generation, Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, described the 2020 fire incident as a major setback, noting that it occurred only months before the plant was due for commissioning.
He commended the company's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, for driving the renewed effort to revive the project. Kassim added that complementary infrastructure, including access roads and support buildings, is also under construction, while highlighting the plant's strategic location close to gas supply sources.
Managing Director of TILT Energy Limited, Mr. Deji Awodeji, assured stakeholders that the joint venture would complete the rehabilitation within, or even ahead of, the 12-month timeline without compromising quality.
He said the contractors remained committed to restoring the power plant to operation as quickly as possible.
Speaking at the event, NDPHC Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, said the Gbarain Power Plant was prioritised after being identified as a "low-hanging fruit" capable of delivering a rapid increase in electricity generation.
She disclosed that the company secured the necessary approvals and funding in record time and expressed confidence in the contractors' ability to execute the project successfully.
Adighije said replacing the burnt PCM would enable the recommissioning of the 225MW plant, boost electricity supply to the national grid and support the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony ended with an inspection of ongoing works at the project site by NDPHC management, contractors and other stakeholders.