Victor EzejaThe Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has unveiled a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to boost automation of the national grid’s management and control.
TCN conducted a demonstration of the new SCADA system on Wednesday, 18th September at the soon-to-be-completed National Control Centre, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa reports that the $56 million project funded by the World Bank is aimed at enhancing grid management to curb collapses.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Nigeria’s national grid experienced 46 collapses in six years from 2017 to 2023. It has collapsed for five times this year.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Emmanuel Nosike, said that the SCADA system will enable real-time monitoring and control, crucial for effective national grid management.
Adelabu called on all stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to embrace the opportunities the SCADA system offers to improve their operational capabilities and service delivery to Nigerians.
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Also speaking during the demo exercise, the MD/CEO of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, expressed delight that the project is finally becoming a reality after several failed attempts. He revealed that the project, currently 69% complete, will be fully implemented by mid-next year.
Abdulaziz stressed that, the SCADA system, designed to enhance grid stability, reduce power outages, and improve energy efficiency, “is a technology that will allow TCN to monitor the entire electricity network from a central location, ensuring prompt responses to outages and efficient load management,” a statement by the company said.
The statement added that the project is part of TCN’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes upgrading existing systems and leveraging new technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
