Nigeria’s power sector received a significant boost on Monday as Transafam Power Limited, a subsidiary of the Transcorp Group, announced its plans to add 240MW to the national grid. This announcement was made by the president of Transcorp Group, Mrs. Owen Omogiafo, during a press briefing following the unveiling of the newly rehabilitated Gas Turbine-20 in Afam, located in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. Omogiafo noted that Transafam Power is currently generating 188MW, while also highlighting that gas supply remains the primary challenge facing the company.
Omogiafo emphasized the importance of power in driving transformation worldwide. She recalled that Transcorp’s first investment in the power sector was the Ughelli power plant in 2013, which had an initial capacity of 160MW. Today, that plant generates over 600MW, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s power sector. She explained that the success of this investment motivated Transcorp to invest in the Afam power plant, despite the ongoing challenges related to gas supply.
Continuing her remarks, Omogiafo stated, “It’s on record that we recovered Afam V (five) Gas Turbine-20 in September last year. We have added another 188MW to the national grid.” She mentioned that four additional gas turbines are ready to operate as soon as gas supply is secured, with ongoing discussions with stakeholders to facilitate this. Furthermore, she revealed plans for the Afam III fast power project, which utilizes aerodynamics technology and is expected to contribute an additional 240MW this year. Omogiafo expressed the company’s ambition to lead in the power sector and to explore the entire value chain.
Describing the venture as capital-intensive, she noted that initial investments were projected at 25 percent, but the company has since invested billions. Omogiafo highlighted the importance of building local capacity, explaining that previously, gas turbine repairs required overseas travel. However, Transafam has now established its own clean room for turbine maintenance, which is a significant step toward fulfilling its purpose of improving lives and transforming Africa.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Transafam Power Limited, Vincent Ozoude, discussed the company’s efforts to prevent capital flight by creating its own clean room for the repair and maintenance of gas turbine components. He stated, “We have just inaugurated the generator clean room to repair gas turbines.” This facility allows for the repair of generator rotors, minimizing the time and costs associated with sending components abroad for repairs. Ozoude noted that since taking over the plant, which initially had a power generation capacity of 48MW, the company has successfully increased it to 188MW out of a total installed capacity of 966MW in less than a year and nine months.
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