TCN hands over Kainji substation site to Mainstream Energy for 220MW expansion project

The Management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN has formally granted access to Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), operator of the Kainji Hydro Power Plant, to commence the construction of Units 1G3 and 1G4 bays at the Kainji Transmission Substation in Niger State.

The site handover, conducted on Friday, June 5, 2026, marks a significant step toward enhancing electricity generation and transmission capacity in the country.

The physical handover of the 2x330kV bays construction site will enable MESL to begin civil, electrical and mechanical works, as well as testing, commissioning and other approved project activities required for the completion of the project.

Upon completion, the new bays will facilitate the evacuation of power from two additional turbines, designated IG3 and IG4, to be installed at the Kainji Hydro Power Station. The turbines are expected to generate 110 megawatts each, bringing an additional 220MW of electricity to the national grid.

Speaking during the signing and handover ceremony, the General Manager, Materials Control and Stores, and Chairman of the Project Technical Committee, Engr. Abdulkadir Gwaram Adamu, described the event as a critical milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

According to him, the project will enable TCN to efficiently evacuate the electricity that will be generated by MESL’s new turbines once they become operational.

Adamu commended the management of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited for its cooperation and commitment to improving electricity supply across the country. He noted that the project is being fully funded and executed by MESL at no cost to TCN.

He further disclosed that the project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

In his response, the Chief Technical Officer of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Engr. Cleber Romao Grisi, expressed appreciation to TCN for granting access to the site and assured stakeholders that the company would complete the project within the agreed timeline.

Other officials present at the handover ceremony included the General Manager, Business Development, Engr. Robert Bodam; General Manager, Transmission Shiroro Region, Engr. Kabiru Suleiman; Assistant General Manager, System Electrical, Engr. Ebenezer Opadare; and Principal Manager, Transmission Kainji Work Center, Engr. Gbenga Akorede.

The project is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to expand generation capacity and improve the reliability of electricity supply nationwide.