TCN Clears Way for Major Grid Expansion at Kainji, Grants Site Access to Mainstream
By Core Reporters
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has formally granted Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL), operator of the Kainji Hydro Power Plant in Niger State, access to commence the construction of two 330kV bays (Units IG3 and IG4) at the Kainji Transmission Substation.
The General Manager Public Affairs of TCN, Mrs Ndidi Mbah said in a statement on Sunday, June 7, the site handover ceremony took place on Friday, June 5, 2026, marking a significant step toward expanding power generation and strengthening electricity supply to the national grid.
The project involves the construction of two 330kV bays and associated civil, electrical and mechanical works, including testing, commissioning and other approved project activities.
Upon completion, the bays will facilitate the evacuation of 220 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity from two new turbines—IG3 and IG4—with a generation capacity of 110MW each, to be installed at the Kainji Hydropower Station.
Speaking during the 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 efforts to enhance power delivery across the country.
According to him, the project will enable TCN to efficiently evacuate electricity generated by the new MESL turbines into the national grid once completed.
He commended the management of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited for its cooperation and commitment to improving electricity supply in Nigeria, noting that the project is being fully funded and executed by MESL at no cost to TCN.
Adamu added that the project is expected to be completed by December 2026.
In his remarks, the Chief Technical Officer of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Engr. Cleber Romao Grisi, thanked TCN for granting access to the site and assured stakeholders that the project would be delivered within the agreed timeline.
Other officials present at the 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 Centre, Engr. Gbenga Akorede.
