NNPC to add P’Harcourt refinery stranded power to grid

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and Genesis Energy Limited have reached an agreement to channel unused electricity generated from the Port Harcourt Refining Company into the national grid.

The decision was announced on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, during an inspection visit by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to the Genesis Energy site at the refinery in Eleme, Rivers State.

The partnership aims to improve power supply across the country, strengthen grid stability, and support the government’s energy transition goals.

The project will make use of the excess electricity produced by Genesis Energy’s 84-megawatt off-grid clean power plant located within the refinery.

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The plant, which currently powers the refinery, generates more energy than the facility needs since it remains under technical review.

Officials explained that the refinery only consumes about 20 megawatts of the total capacity, leaving more than 60 megawatts unused.

Through the new plan, this stranded energy will be redirected to the national grid in line with the Federal Government’s power sector reforms.

During the minister’s visit, the Federal Government assured that it would remove bottlenecks that often prevent generated electricity from being distributed.

It also promised to improve transmission infrastructure to ensure seamless evacuation of power from the refinery to the grid.

The arrangement is expected to serve as a pilot project that could later add about 120 megawatts to the national supply once fully operational.

Genesis Energy described the collaboration as part of its wider goal to expand clean energy access and support industrial growth.

The company stated that using stranded power from the refinery would not only improve national energy access but also promote job creation and local economic activities.

It added that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s plan to rely more on cleaner and sustainable power sources.

The 84-megawatt independent power plant operated by Genesis Energy is currently the largest licensed private off-grid clean energy project in Nigeria.

It runs on three GE TM2500+ gas turbines that supply steady and sustainable power directly to the Port Harcourt refinery.

According to the company, the plant has improved operational reliability, reduced dependence on diesel, and enhanced local energy security.

Officials also explained that the gas-to-power system being used at the facility can support future renewable energy projects.

Each megawatt of gas-fired generation is said to provide the base for additional solar investments, contributing to Nigeria’s broader energy transition and climate goals.

The partnership between NNPC and Genesis Energy is expected to serve as a model for future collaborations aimed at improving electricity supply, supporting industrial production, and advancing cleaner energy use across the country.