The USTDA-funded feasibility study will evaluate the Abuja CCGT project as a means to enhance critical electricity supply in Nigeria. The aim is to reduce recurring power shortages, load-shedding and frequent blackouts that cripple the local economy.
NNPC Group’s managing director, Mallam Mele Kyari said he was convinced the grant will help “concretize arrangements to provide stable power supply to Abuja in the foreseeable future.” The project is hoped to soon reach financial close.
Developed as an Independent Power Project (IPP), the Abuja plant will be fuelled by natural gas from NNPC’s large upstream resources, delivered to the plant’s site through the proposed AKK gas pipeline. Mr. Kryandi explained the Abuja CCGT project was part of the national strategy towards monetising Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources
Most of the generating equipment will be supplied by GE.
Technical support for the project will also come from the U.S.-firm Continuum Associates whose chief operating officer, Sandeep Baidwan, said the proposed CCGT “will provide important relief to the power deficit situation” in and around the Federal Capital Territory region, and northern Nigeria.