By Jabiru Hassan
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has granted site access to Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) to begin construction of two 330kV bays at the Kainji Transmission Substation in Niger State.The site handover, conducted on June 5, 2026, marks the commencement of the Kainji Switchyard Units 1G3 and 1G4 Bays Project, which will support the evacuation of additional power from the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant into the national grid.
According to TCN, the project includes civil, electrical, and mechanical works, as well as testing and commissioning activities.When completed, the new infrastructure will enable the evacuation of up to 220 megawatts of electricity from two additional turbines—Units 1G3 and 1G4—each expected to generate 110MW.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, TCN’s General Manager, Materials Control and Stores, and Chairman of the Project Technical Committee, Engr. Abdulkadir Gwaram Adamu, described the project as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen power transmission capacity. He said the project would enhance the integration of additional electricity generation into the national grid and commended MESL for its collaboration and investment. According to TCN, the project is being fully funded by MESL at no cost to the transmission company.
In his remarks, MESL’s Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Cleber Romao Grisi, thanked TCN for granting site access and assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within the agreed timeline.TCN said the project is expected to be completed by December 2026. Other officials present at the handover included representatives from TCN’s business development, transmission, and system operations departments.
