- The project is equipped with three GE LM6000 Gas turbines
- Each of them has the capacity to produce up to 47MW
- It’s equipped with a 27km gas pipeline to ensure consistent fuel supply
- Three rehabilitated distribution substations, five new additional substations and 140km of 33kV/11kV lines using fibre optic cables for seamless data communication.
The 141 MW Aba Integrated Power Project (Aba IPP), an Afreximbank-financed project, and “a first of its kind”, capable of generating and distributing 141 MW of its produced power across nine local government areas (LGAs) within the Aba ring-fenced zone has officially been commissioned in Abia State.
Speaking at the official launch ceremony, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank said: “Afreximbank is proud to be part of this great milestone achievement in Nigeria. The 141MW Aba IPP underscores what can be achieved when public and private sector stakeholders join forces to impact humanity. As champions of trade and industrialization initiatives in Africa, we believe that it is projects like this embedded IPP that will catalyze trade and economic development in Nigeria and across the region.”
The uniqueness of the IPP according to a statement made available to Energy Window International, lies in the fact that it is the only electricity company in Nigeria that is fully vertically integrated with embedded generation and distribution capabilities. The model the statement pointed out ensures or guarantees direct power supply to each community, prioritizing local needs while re-channeling excess power to the country’s national power grid. Adding that the ground-breaking approach ensures constant power supply in the ring-fenced area while addressing the challenges associated with the national power grid simultaneously.
Again, the integrated structure fosters value creation through improved cost management at various stages in the energy value chain: generation, distribution, and collection.
It is strategically positioned, and renowned for its cottage and small-scale industries, specializing in the craftsmanship of leather goods, fabrics and related services. In addition to increased power supply and reliability, the Aba IPP is expected to enhance industrialization efforts and increase production of small and medium-scale enterprises, as well as local industries.
According to Geometric power, over 370,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created during the operational phase of the project. In addition, there are significant indirect benefits for the supporting industries including the development of road infrastructure, improvement in local services including enhanced water supply, schools and healthcare facilities, a boost in agricultural productivity due to a more reliable power supply, as well as increased support for rural electrification programs and enhanced tourism and leisure opportunities.
