TCN Advances Kano Rail Grid Connection, Boosts Katsina Capacity
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has intensified efforts to strengthen power infrastructure in the North-West with plans to connect the Kano Railway Station and other railway operational facilities to the national grid, while also taking delivery of two new power transformers for its ongoing transmission expansion project in Katsina State.
The proposed railway grid connection followed a strategic stakeholders’ engagement held at TCN’s Kano Regional Headquarters, where the company and the Federal Ministry of Transportation agreed to collaborate on providing a stable and reliable electricity supply for railway operations.
Speaking during the meeting, TCN’s General Manager (Transmission), Kano Region, Engr. M.K. Bello, stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders, noting that early technical engagement would ensure seamless project implementation and reliable power supply to the railway infrastructure.
Participants discussed the technical requirements for the grid connection, project timelines, operational coordination, system reliability and the responsibilities of each stakeholder. They also considered measures to ensure compliance with national grid standards, network safety and seamless integration into the transmission network.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the project in line with the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen critical infrastructure and improve transportation services through reliable electricity supply.
Representatives of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Federal Ministry of Transportation, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), project consultants Team Nigeria and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the project contractor, attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, TCN has received two 100MVA power transformers for installation at its ongoing 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation in Katsina State.
According to a statement by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the transformers are key components for completing the substation and will increase the region’s transmission capacity by an additional 160 megawatts upon installation, testing and commissioning.
Mbah said the new substation would enhance the reliability, flexibility and efficiency of power transmission while improving TCN’s capacity to evacuate bulk electricity to Distribution Companies (DisCos) serving Katsina State and neighbouring communities.
She added that the Katsina project is one of several transmission expansion, reinforcement and modernisation initiatives being implemented nationwide to strengthen Nigeria’s electricity grid and meet growing power demand.
