Undeveloped hydro power sites presents quick wins for offgrid operators

According to a 2013 United Nations Industrial Organisation Development Organisation (UNDIO) report, Nigeria has about 127 potential hydro power sites across 20 states in the country capable of generating over 450MW of electricity if they are harnessed.

Of these potential hydro power sites, Nigeria has begun the process of inviting private investors to bid for six of the projects, leaving the rest 121 potential sites open for offgrid power investments.

Babatunde Fashola, minister of Power, Works and Housing at the Africa Today Summit held in Abuja on October 17, which focused on energy options in a low-cost, low carbon world, said in a speech, that government’s efforts to deepen renewable energy is now gaining traction, helping to cut dependence on gas fired plants from 85 percent to 74 percent and increasing power to grid from renewables to 26 percent from 15 percent.

“In addition, we are in advanced stages of procurement for 6 small hydro dams for private sector operation. What remains therefore is the faithful implementation of these projects to bring on stream their stock of renewable solar and Hydro Power,” said Fashola.

The government is inviting operators through the newly approved mini grid regulation to invest in hydro power. “Through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) we have issued mini grid regulations to guide registration and licencing for small consumers and off-grid developers seeking to produce up to 100 kilowatts and over 100 kilowatts and up to 1 megawatts respectively,” said Fashola.

Hydro power provides quick wins for companies involved in the sector; especially as new technology is making it possible to harness power from rivers easily.

“These assets are components of dams that were built early in the years to supply water for agricultural processes and they have components to generate hydro power. Most of them have been abandoned and if they are revived they could raise our power output,” said O’Neal Lajuwomi, chief executive officer of Wavelength Integrated Power Services.

Potential hydro power sites in Nigeria

Some of these hydro power sites are scattered all over communities in Nigeria. In Cross River state, there are nine potential sites: Afundu in Obudu Local government area, with a potential of 1000Kw, Eficghim Fall in Etung LGA, for 251Kw, Kwa Falls Dam, in Aningeje, Akamkpa LGAs, with a potential 10,000Kw.

Others are Agbokim Falls in Ikom and Etung with 20,000 potential kW, Kwa River University of Calabar with 6,600 potential Kw, in Boki local government Debokam site has 144Kw, in Obaniku LGA, Obudu site has a potential for 155kW. Others are Achan and Bibi Airstrip in Obanliku LGA, with 1323 and 12 kW capacity.

The UNIDO report details other potential sites in Katsina, Ondo, Adamawa, Plateau and Ekiti, Edo, Taraba, Osun, Ogun, Niger and Oyo state. Others are Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Gombo, Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, Enugu and Kaduna. Still others are Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory.

Development of these sites will add additional 450MW of power and experts says could power 450,000 homes based on energy consumption pattern of Nigerian households.

ISAAC ANYAOGU