The Zungeru Hydropower Project: A Transformative Milestone in Nigeria’s Energy Landscape

A notable achievement in Nigeria’s quest for enhanced power generation capacity, the Zungeru Hydropower Project, has been successfully completed, marking a significant step towards addressing the nation’s electricity needs. This monumental endeavor, undertaken by a Chinese consortium comprising the China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) and Sinohydro, is poised to have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s power supply.

The consortium proudly announced that the Zungeru Hydropower Project is set to generate an impressive 2.64 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, firmly establishing itself as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s energy grid. This remarkable feat stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between China and Nigeria, showcasing the potential for collaboration in addressing critical infrastructure needs.

Beyond its substantial electricity generation capacity, the Zungeru Hydropower Project is designed to offer multifaceted benefits to the region. It will provide essential flood control measures, support local irrigation initiatives, ensure a stable water supply, and foster fish-breeding facilities. These ancillary features are integral to promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of the communities in the project’s vicinity.

The journey to the completion of this impressive hydropower plant began in May 2013, with initial expectations of a 60-month construction timeline, targeting completion in 2018. However, the project encountered legal and financial challenges related to ecological settlement in the affected area, resulting in a delay in the project’s commissioning until 2021. The onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted the construction timeline, as the site was temporarily shut down in 2020 during the peak of the pandemic.

Despite these challenges, the commitment and resilience of the project stakeholders prevailed. The engineering, procurement, and construction contract were awarded to the China National Electric Engineering Company (CNEEC) and Sinohydro, marking their dedication to see the project through to fruition. Even in the face of security challenges, including attacks on workers at the site in 2022, the project persevered. As of August 15, 2023, the Zungeru Hydropower Project was successfully handed over to the federal government, marking the culmination of years of hard work and determination.

Located on the Kaduna River in Niger, this 700-megawatt (MW) hydroelectric facility represents a significant addition to Nigeria’s power generation landscape. With an estimated cost of approximately $1.3 billion (₦162.9 billion), it stands as the most substantial power project completed in Nigeria over the past decade and one of the largest in Africa. The Zungeru Hydropower Project boasts a total installed capacity of 700 MW and is designed to generate an impressive 2,630 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy annually.

This monumental achievement aligns seamlessly with Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP), first proposed in 2006. REMP aims to substantially increase the share of renewable electricity, encompassing wind, solar, biomass, and small hydro, in the country’s energy mix. The plan seeks to elevate the contribution of renewable energy from 13 percent of total electricity generation in 2015 to 23 percent in 2025 and an ambitious 36 percent by 2030. The Zungeru Hydropower Project exemplifies Nigeria’s commitment to realizing these renewable energy targets.

Notably, the Zungeru Hydropower Project is just one of several hydropower initiatives envisioned in Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Master Plan. The country’s ambition includes additional hydropower plant projects currently in various stages of development, such as the 3,050-MW Hydropower Plant (HPP), 360-MW Gurara II HPP, 38-MW Dadinkowa HPP, 40-MW Itisi HPP, and the monumental 3,100-MW Mambilla HPP. These endeavors collectively signify Nigeria’s resolute determination to bolster its power generation capabilities and meet the energy needs of its burgeoning population, which exceeds 160 million people.

In a nation where demand for electricity consistently outpaces supply, the successful completion of the Zungeru Hydropower Project is a beacon of hope. Nigeria’s ten national integrated power projects, despite their significance, currently yield just 4,000 MW of electricity. The Zungeru Hydropower Project represents a substantial leap towards alleviating this energy deficit, underlining the crucial role of hydropower in Nigeria’s energy future.

As Nigeria continues its journey towards sustainable and reliable power generation, the Zungeru Hydropower Project stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration between nations. It is a source of optimism for the nation’s citizens and a beacon of hope for a brighter energy future.