Transcorp Power Limited to achieve 25% generation capacity, commissions $28.3m gas turbine

As part of its commitment to generate 25 per cent of Nigeria’s total power capacity before the end of the 2018, Transcorp Power Limited, a subsidiary of Transcorp Plc on Monday achieved a milestone as it commissioned the 115MW Gas Turbine 15 at the Transcorp Power Limited’s Ughelli Power Plant.

The commissioning of the multi-million dollar turbine brings the total operating capacity of the plant to 620MW.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of Transcorp Plc, Mr Tony Elumelu, reiterated the resolve of Transcorp Power Limited to double the generating capacity of the power plant within the shortest time. According to him, considering the role power plays as a catalyst to economic and industrial growth of any nation including Nigeria, Transcorp Power Limited remains committed to finding a solution to the power problems that has constrained the development of the country and made it not to achieve its potentials. “Our goal is to increase our capacity from 620MW to 850MW with the return of three turbines by the 4th quarter of 2017,” Elumelu said.

“Our gratitude goes out to the Board of Directors, particularly the Technical Committee, our technical partners, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Federal Government of Nigeria for believing in us as private sector investors and for providing the enabling environment,” he further said.

Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony attended by Executive Governor of Delta State, his Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who commissioned the new turbine, the Honorable Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), reminded the audience that even though Nigeria appears to court the international investor, the importance and relevance of the local investor to the achievement of the country’s energy agenda, can’t be overemphasized.

While appreciating the investment committed by Transcorp Power Limited, Fashola noted: “The local investor will not run away when there is a storm. They will continue to invest because they believe in Nigeria and their efforts will be supported as much as possible by a government that shares the same belief in the nation.”