TCN, Mainstream Energy Seal Deal on 220MW Kainji Expansion as Power Boost Project Takes Off
By Pan Afric Reporters
In a major boost to Nigeria’s electricity generation and transmission capacity, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has officially granted Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) access to commence the construction of two 330kV transmission bays at the Kainji Transmission Substation, paving the way for the evacuation of an additional 220 megawatts of power into the national grid.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Transmission Company of Nigeria and signed by Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, on June 7, 2026.
The formal handover of the project site took place on Friday, June 5, at the Kainji Transmission Substation in Niger State, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen power infrastructure and improve electricity supply across the country.
The project involves the construction of two 330kV bays—designated Units IG3 and IG4—which will facilitate the evacuation of electricity from two new turbines being installed at the Kainji Hydro Power Plant by Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited.
Upon completion, the new turbines are expected to generate 110MW each, bringing an additional 220MW capacity to the national grid.
Speaking during the signing and 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 step toward enhancing the nation’s power transmission capabilities.
“This marks a critical milestone. The successful execution of this project will enable TCN to evacuate the additional power that will be generated by MESL’s new turbines into the national grid,” Adamu said.
He commended Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited for its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s electricity sector, noting that the entire project is being funded and executed by the company at no financial cost to TCN.
According to him, the project encompasses civil, electrical, and mechanical works, including testing, commissioning, and other approved activities required to bring the new infrastructure into operation.
Adamu further expressed optimism that the project, scheduled for completion by December 2026, would contribute significantly to improving electricity availability and grid reliability nationwide.
In his remarks, the Chief Technical Officer of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Engr. Cleber Romao Grisi, thanked TCN for granting site access and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project within the agreed timeline.
“We appreciate TCN for granting access to the site and assure all stakeholders that the project will be completed according to schedule,” Grisi stated.
The project is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of the Kainji Hydro Power Plant, one of Nigeria’s most strategic power generation assets, while supporting ongoing efforts to expand generation output and improve energy access for millions of Nigerians.
Also present at the ceremony were 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.
Industry stakeholders have described the project as another important collaboration between power generation and transmission operators aimed at addressing infrastructure gaps and enhancing the efficiency of Nigeria’s electricity value chain.
