In a major move to boost Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution capacity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Genesis Energy Limited have entered a partnership to channel excess power from the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) to the national grid.
The strategic collaboration, unveiled during the visit of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to the Genesis Energy power facility in Eleme, Rivers State, aims to convert stranded energy into usable supply, improve grid stability, and support the Federal Government’s energy transition agenda.
Excess Capacity to Strengthen National Grid
Speaking during the inspection, Chief Adelabu commended the initiative, describing it as a vital step toward unlocking Nigeria’s trapped energy potential.
He noted that while the Port Harcourt refinery power supply currently stands at 84 megawatts, only about 20 MW is being utilized internally, leaving more than 60 MW idle.
“We have over 10 gigawatts of stranded generation capacity in Nigeria today. These are power assets that have been installed but are not connected to the grid due to transmission and distribution constraints,” Adelabu said.
“This project between NNPC and Genesis Energy will serve as a pilot for integrating such excess capacity into the grid and could contribute up to 120 MW once fully operational.”
The minister further stated that the government would accelerate the development of transmission infrastructure to enable seamless evacuation of power from the refinery to the national grid, stressing that such collaborations align with the Power Sector Reform and Energy Transition Plan.
Partnership Reinforces Private-Sector Role
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Energy Group, Mr. Akinwole Omoboriowo, said the partnership underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable energy investments that drive national growth.
“At Genesis Energy, our mission has always been to power progress through innovation.
Partnering with NNPC Ltd. allows us to leverage our clean energy assets for national development while strengthening the reliability of the Port Harcourt refinery power supply,” Omoboriowo stated.
He emphasized that the initiative would not only stabilize electricity access in the region but also create jobs, support local industries, and stimulate economic activity around the refinery corridor.
According to him, the project reflects “a new era of pragmatic collaboration” between the private sector and government in addressing Nigeria’s chronic energy deficit.
Advancing Energy Transition Goals
Genesis Energy operates Nigeria’s largest licensed private off-grid clean power plant — an 84 MW independent facility powered by three GE TM2500+ gas turbines located within the Port Harcourt Refinery complex.
The plant has been instrumental in improving refinery efficiency and local energy security by providing steady, sustainable power independent of the national grid.
Industry experts describe the Port Harcourt refinery power supply initiative as a model for how gas-to-power can serve as a transitional enabler for renewable energy adoption.
Genesis Energy noted that every 1 MW of gas-to-power capacity creates potential for up to 2 MWp of solar energy investment, thereby supporting Nigeria’s Just Energy Transition and climate resilience objectives.
“This initiative is not just about power generation,” the company’s statement added.
“It’s about building a framework for energy sustainability, reducing dependence on diesel, cutting emissions, and strengthening the industrial backbone of the South-South region.”
Government, Stakeholders Welcome Move
The announcement has drawn positive reactions from energy analysts and policy advocates, who see the collaboration as a practical step toward bridging Nigeria’s persistent electricity supply gap.
Dr. Olu Akinola, an energy economist, said the deal reflects “the right mix of innovation and policy direction,” especially as Nigeria works to diversify its power sources.
“If NNPC and Genesis Energy succeed in integrating stranded capacity from the Port Harcourt refinery into the grid, it could become a template for similar facilities nationwide — from Kaduna to Warri,” Akinola observed.
He urged the government to provide regulatory support and streamline commercial frameworks that allow independent power producers (IPPs) to supply excess capacity directly to the grid.
Meanwhile, officials from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) have confirmed ongoing assessments to determine how best to absorb the additional load from the refinery’s power output without overburdening existing transmission lines.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Energy Resilience
For the NNPC, this collaboration aligns with its broader commitment to optimize energy assets and promote sustainable energy development.
The national oil company has, in recent months, accelerated its investments in gas infrastructure and power generation as part of its Energy Security and Decarbonization Strategy.
Industry watchers say the initiative could also fast-track the Port Harcourt Refinery’s operational revival, as reliable power is critical to ongoing technical reviews and future production ramp-up plans.
By transforming a once-stranded energy asset into a national benefit, the Port Harcourt refinery power supply project symbolizes a new approach to problem-solving in Nigeria’s power sector — one that blends innovation, sustainability, and national interest.
A Step Toward a Stable Power Future
As the Federal Government doubles down on reforms to unlock idle power capacity across the country, stakeholders agree that partnerships like this are essential for progress.
For Nigeria, where millions still lack access to reliable electricity, initiatives that repurpose underutilized energy resources offer a glimmer of hope.
With the Port Harcourt refinery power supply soon feeding into the national grid, experts believe the project could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s drive toward energy stability, industrial growth, and environmental sustainability.
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