TCN partners Ministry of Transport to power Kano railway infrastructure

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), following a strategic stakeholders’ engagement at its Kano Regional Headquarters, has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Transportation to advance plans to connect the Kano Railway Station and other railway operational facilities to the national grid.

The engagement focused on the proposed grid connection of railway infrastructure under the Federal Ministry of Transportation, particularly the Kano Railway Station and other associated railway operational facilities, to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for efficient rail operations.

The General Manager (Transmission), Kano Region, Engineer M.K. Bello, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among all stakeholders, noting that early technical engagement would facilitate smooth project execution and guarantee a dependable power supply to the railway facilities.

Participants deliberated on the technical requirements for the proposed connection, project implementation timelines, operational coordination, system reliability and the responsibilities of each stakeholder in delivering the project successfully.

The discussions also explored measures to ensure compliance with grid standards, network safety and seamless integration into the national transmission network. The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to working collectively to deliver the project in line with the Federal Government’s infrastructure development objectives.

The planned grid connection is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of the railway system, improve service delivery within the transportation sector and contribute to the Federal Government’s broader agenda of strengthening critical national infrastructure through a reliable electricity supply.

Attendees included representatives of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Region, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Team Nigeria (the project consultants) and the project contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Also, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kano Region, has taken delivery of two new 100MVA power transformers for installation at the ongoing 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation in Katsina.

The delivery of the transformers, in line with TCN’s strategic grid expansion project, is designed to substantially strengthen the national grid network and improve bulk electricity supply to Katsina State and the North-West region.

According to a statement by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the power transformers are critical components required for the completion of the substation and, when installed, tested and commissioned, will increase the region’s transmission capacity by an additional 160MW.

“When the substation is completed and energised, it will increase the reliability, flexibility and overall efficiency of power transmission. It will also significantly boost TCN’s capacity to evacuate additional bulk electricity to the relevant Distribution Companies (DisCos) serving Katsina State and its environs.

“The new Katsina Substation is one of several projects being executed by TCN nationwide to drive grid expansion, modernisation and reinforcement of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure to meet the country’s growing electricity demand,” the statement said.