Africa | September 20, 2024

Nigerian Government Unveils Advanced SCADA Technology for National Grid

The initiative is expected to attract private sector investment in Nigeria's energy market.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system designed to enhance the management of the national power grid. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of the country’s electricity supply, positioning Nigeria for a more stable energy future.

Key Features of the New SCADA System

  1. Real-Time Monitoring and Control: The new SCADA system enables operators to monitor and control the national grid in real-time, allowing for quick detection of faults and efficient load management. This capability is crucial for responding promptly to outages and optimizing overall grid performance.
  2. Technological Upgrade: Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu emphasized that this project is not just a technological enhancement but a symbol of the government’s commitment to improving power supply across Nigeria. He noted that implementing this advanced technology marks a significant step toward addressing longstanding challenges in the sector.
  3. Integration into Existing Infrastructure: The SCADA system has already been integrated into critical infrastructure, including the Lagos Transmission Substation in Apapa, which has been fully automated. This integration is part of a broader initiative under the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Access Project (NETAP), aimed at modernizing the nation’s power infrastructure.

 

Goals and Expectations

The introduction of the SCADA system aligns with Nigeria’s objectives of achieving energy security and expanding electricity access for all citizens. The government sees this development as a vital part of its strategic efforts to modernize power infrastructure and implement smart grid technologies.

Dr. Sule Abdulaziz, Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), highlighted that previous SCADA projects had not met their intended objectives. However, he expressed optimism that lessons learned from past deployments would guide the current initiative toward success.

Milestones Achieved

Significant progress has already been made, including:

  • Deployment of over 3,000 km of fiber optic cables.
  • Installation of SCADA equipment in more than 100 transmission substations nationwide.
  • Training of 135 technical staff on SCADA operations and telecommunications equipment.

World Bank Country Director Ndiame Diop, whose institution played a crucial role in financing the project, expressed confidence in its potential impact on Nigeria’s energy sector. He described the project as a turning point in efforts to improve the electricity supply industry.

Source: PUNCH