Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reported that the 476-megawatt Alaoji power plant in Abia State has failed to generate any electricity in the past six months.
Gatekeepers News reports that the plant recorded a zero per cent plant availability factor (PAF) in two consecutive quarters (Q4 2023 and Q1 2024) due to gas pressure issues, according to the NERC report.
The NERC stated, “This is the second consecutive quarter where Alaoji NIPP has recorded a 0 per cent PAF due to gas pressure issues, i.e., available gas cannot be delivered to the plant at the pressure required for the turbines to operate.”
The commission noted that the management of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is working with its gas supplier and other stakeholders to resolve the issues hindering gas supply to the plant.
Proposed measures include a gas swap arrangement, construction of a bypass line, and installation of compressors to boost gas pressure delivery.
In contrast, hydropower plants such as Dadin Kowa, Shiroro, Jebba, and Kainji recorded decreases in PAF in Q1 2024 due to low water flow, consistent with seasonal expectations.
The Alaoji power plant is not one of the five NIPP plants currently up for sale by the NDPHC.
