Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station is a 700 megawatts (940,000 hp) hydroelectric power plant under construction in Niger State, Nigeria. When completed, as expected, it will be the second-largest hydroelectric power station in the country, behind the 760 megawatts (1,020,000 hp) Kainji Hydroelectric Power Station.[1]
Zungeru lies about 66 kilometres (41 mi), by road, northwest of Minna, the capital city of Niger State.[3] This is approximately 221 kilometres (137 mi), by road, northwest of Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.[4] The geographical coordinates of Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station are: 09°54'18.0"N, 06°17'32.0"E (Latitude:9.905000; Longitude:6.292222).[5] This power station is located between Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station (upstream) and Jebba Hydroelectric Power Station (downstream).[6]
Overview
Zungeru HPP is a large energy infrastructure project and at 700 megawatts capacity, is Nigeria's second-largest hydroelectricity power station, behind the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has capacity of 760 megawatts.[1]
The design calls for a roller-compacted concrete dam measuring 233 metres (764 ft) in length and 101 metres (331 ft) in height. This will create a reservoir capable of storing "10.4 billion m3 of water".[1][6]
The energy generated will be evacuated via two high voltage lines: (a) a 135kV line to Kainji Dam and (b) a double circuit 330kV line to connect to the line between Shiroro and Jebba dams. The power will subsequently be integrated into the Nigerian electricity grid.[6]
Construction
The project cost has been reported as 1.3 billion US dollars. Of that, 25 percent is sourced from the Federal Government of Nigeria, and 75 percent is a loan from the Chinese government, through the Exim Bank of China. Construction started in 2013, with an initial completion date of 2018.[1][7]
In January 2022, Afrik21.africa reported that Zungeru HPP would be commissioned in phases during 2022. It is expected that the first turbine, with generation capacity of 175 megawatts would come online during the first quarter of the year. The next turbine, with equal capacity, would then follow the first, after approximately ninety days, and so on, until all four turbines are installed for maximum generation capacity of 700 MW. The power station would add 2,640 GWh to the Nigerian grid, annually. This is equal to approximately 10 percent of installed national generation capacity, as of January 2022.[9]
Youth protest
Over 1,000 youth led by Bello Sheriff, protested by holding a demonstration on the Kontagora–Minna Road, over the deplorable state of the roads in the area. The protesters held banners and posters, including those that read: "We are suffering because of bad roads" and "Power state without power". The protesters insisted that their demands must be met.[10][11][12]
Displaced settlers
When Senator David Umaru visited the IDP camp in Zungeru, he sympathized over the victims for the delay in payment. The senator said 2 billion naira was given by Nigerian Federal Government to Niger State Government for the resettlement of affected people in the community.[13]
The Nigerian vice president Yemi Osinbajo, on a visit to the Hydroelectric station promised the 500 displaced settlers that are settled in a new location in New Gungu Wushishi with an immediate effect of the payment.[14]
Developments
In early November 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria advertised the first stage of the two-phased process of selecting the concessionaire who will operate, manage and maintain the power station for the first 30 years of its commercial life. The first phase is intended to prequalify applicants, while the second stage would evaluate the short-listed firms based on their detailed bids. Consortia were also invited to apply. At that time, the power station was about 96 percent complete, with commercial commissioning planned in the first quarter of 2023.[15] Nigerian media reported completion of construction in November 2023.[16]
In February 2023, the Nigerian government selected Mainstream Energy Solution Limited, a Nigerian company, as the concessionaire for this power station. Mainstream will operate and maintain this power plant for thirty years, paying a fee of US$70 million annually to the government.[17]
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