President Muhammadu Buhari announced yesterday that Nigeria aims to generate 30GW of electricity by 2030.
Inaugurating virtually the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam, 40MW Hydropower Station and Associated 132KV Switchyard, Transmission Line and Distribution Substation (Phase I) Project, located at the Kashimbila Dam site in Taraba State, at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja, the president emphasised the significance of the project, emphasising its role in his government’s commitment to achieving the target of 30GW of electricity in the country by 2030, as stipulated in the National Electricity
Inviting the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Bello, to unveil the project on his behalf, Buhari stated that the Electricity Vision initiative aims to have renewable energy contribute at least 30% of the energy mix, thereby accelerating the expansion of electricity access.
The president added that the implementation and completion of the Kashimbila projects are in line with his administration’s policies to alleviate poverty, generate employment opportunities, improve healthcare services, and raise the standard of living for all Nigerians.
According to him, the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam in Taraba State, with a storage capacity of 500 million cubic metres, was conceived primarily to thwart the threat of the imminent collapse of the structurally weak and toxic Lake Nyos, located on the line of volcanic activities in Cameroon Republic, which collapse could result in flooding and affect millions of lives and properties.The engineering design maximised the benefits of the Kashimbila ecosystem by incorporating a 40MW Hydropower Station, 60,000 cubic metre per day Water Supply Scheme, 2,000 hectares of Irrigation System, an airstrip, fishing activities, and tourism potentials, even though the Dam was intended to serve as a buffer to contain any possible discharge of water from Lake Nyos.
Phase I of the Power Evacuation Component of the Project consists of the 132KV Switchyard, four substations at Takum, Wukari, Rafin Kada, and Donga, and the rehabilitation of the extant 132KV Yandev substation, according to the president.
It also includes the implementation of a 245-kilometer, 132-kilovolt double-circuit line from Kashimbila to Takum, Wukari, and Yandev, as well as a 45-kilometer, 33-kilovolt double-circuit line from Wukari to Donga via Rafin Kada.
The engineering design for the 2000 Hectare Irrigation Scheme has been finalised, and physical construction will begin in due time, he said.
Buhari assured Nigerians that the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant in Gombe State and the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant in Niger State are also ready for commissioning.
He lauded the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Federal Ministry of Power for their efforts in delivering the Kashimbila Project, and he expressed his hope for increased infrastructure development collaboration between various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
In addition, the president lauded the host communities and individuals impacted by the Kashimbila Multipurpose Dam Project for their cooperation, understanding, and support during the implementation of this significant endeavour.
