PowerChina, the Chinese firm rehabilitating the Kainji Hydropower Plant in Niger State, has restored Unit 1G9, adding 80 MW to Nigeria’s power grid. Completed in April and fully synchronized after a 30-day trial, the upgrade raises the plant’s output from 520 MW to 600 MW, supporting Nigeria’s energy efficiency and expansion goals. PowerChina is working as the EPC contractor for Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, which has operated the plant since 2013.Erratic power supply affects millions of Nigerians, but each megawatt added from plants like Kainji drives national development.
PowerChina’s role in the Kainji project has been pivotal, employing over 500 Nigerians and fostering skills transfer through collaboration with Chinese engineers. According to Hu Dingguo, Managing Director of PowerChina Huadong Nigeria, the 1G9 unit upgrade is part of a larger plan to modernize the plant and reinforce Nigeria’s power infrastructure.PowerChina has rehabilitated several units at Kainji, including 1G5, 1G6, and 1G12, with 1G3 and 1G4 now being installed. The restored 1G9 unit highlights the firm’s expertise and strong partnership with Nigeria.Commissioned in 1968, Kainji is Nigeria’s first major hydropower plant.
After years of neglect, private sector involvement since 2013 has driven its revival. PowerChina has been key to this progress, consistently delivering on technical goals. MESL’s MD, Lamu Audu, commended the company’s professionalism.PowerChina has played a key role in boosting Kainji Hydropower Plant’s capacity, with the timely and successful rehabilitation of multiple units, including the recent 1G9 upgrade. MESL’s MD, Lamu Audu, praised the company’s precision and global standards, noting improved efficiency and power stability, especially in northern and central Nigeria.
The project has also created local jobs and spurred economic growth in surrounding communities. PowerChina views its involvement as a long-term partnership for development and is committed to further upgrades at Kainji, as well as leading construction at the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station.
