TCN energizes 2nd Asaba/Benin 330Kv transmission line, boosts capacity by 600MW

In line with the Federal Governments Strategy on incremental power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has energized the 2ndAsaba-Benin 330kV transmission line on the 3rd of November, 2017, adding 600MW transmission capacity to its transmission network.

In a statement signed by the General Manager (Public Affairs) Ndidi Mbah, made available to BusinessDayon Thursday, TCN said that the newly energized Asaba-Benin transmission line provides alternative source of energy to the Asaba 330kV transmission substation in Asaba, Delta State.

The line which was completed and notput on potential since 22nd of October, 2016, was finally commissioned into service after TCN engineers had completed the relay setting at the Asaba and Benin end of the transmission line, the statement said.
The commissioning into service of the new transmission line, brings to three, the number of 330kV transmission lines from Onitsha axis to Benin.These three lines have the capacity to carry 600MW each and with the new line, the total capability of the 330kV transmission lines on Benin axis has increased from 1200MW to 1800MW, the statement added.
According to the release, energizing the new Asaba – Benin 330kV transmission line also provides alternate route for power flow from Benin to Onitsha and assists in ensuring system stability, flexibility and redundancy on the line route. This means that TCN can transmit more power on this route and that fault or tripping of one of the lines would not affect power transmission in the area, the statement added.

TCN also pledged to continue to invest in the expansion of the nation’s grid, noting that it is also currently executing several transmission lines, transformers and new substations projects in many locations nationwide.

The TCN, which emerged from former National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), was incorporated in November 2005 as a product of the merger of the Transmission and Operations sectors on April 1, 2004.

It was one of the 18 unbundled Business Units under the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). TCN was issued a transmission License on July 1, 2006 and its licensed activities include; electricity transmission, system operation and electricity trading which is ring fenced.

Innocent Odoh, Abuja