NISO Urges GENCOs to Integrate Generation Assets with National SCADA System
At the opening ceremony of the SCADA training program for Power Generation Companies (GENCOs) held at the Mainstream Academy in Kainji, Niger State, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed (FNSE), Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), called on all GENCOs to fully connect their generation assets to the country’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network. He emphasized that this integration is not merely a technical upgrade but a regulatory necessity for maintaining a stable and reliable national grid.
SCADA Training Program at Mainstream Academy
The three‑day workshop, organized by NISO in collaboration with the Mainstream Academy, brought together engineers, operators, and regulatory officers from across the power sector. Participants received hands‑on instruction on:
- Real‑time data acquisition from generators
- SCADA communication protocols and cybersecurity best practices
- Fault detection, isolation, and restoration techniques
- Coordinated dispatch procedures with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)
Engr. Mohammed noted that the training aligns with NISO’s mandate to build technical capacity across the industry, a point reinforced by the academy’s track record of delivering accredited power‑system courses since 2018.
Why SCADA Integration Matters for Grid Stability
According to the CEO, the increasing complexity of Nigeria’s electricity network — driven by a growing mix of thermal, hydro, and renewable sources — makes accurate, real‑time visibility of generation output essential. He cited three core benefits of full SCADA integration:
- Enhanced situational awareness: Operators can instantly see generation levels, frequency deviations, and voltage anomalies across the entire grid.
- Faster operational response: Automated alarms and control actions reduce the time needed to correct imbalances, lowering the risk of cascading outages.
- Regulatory compliance: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) mandates that all licensed generators provide telemetry data to the national SCADA system under the Grid Code (2023 revision).
Engr. Mohammed added that early adopters of SCADA integration have reported a 15‑20 % reduction in unplanned generation outages and improved adherence to dispatch schedules, based on internal NISO performance metrics released in Q1 2024.
NISO’s Broader Strategy: Renewable Energy and Hydropower Projects
Beyond grid‑management tools, NISO is actively pursuing reforms and investments that diversify the generation mix. Speaking at the UK PACT stakeholder workshop in Lagos, Babajide Ibironke, Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services at NISO, highlighted the Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project as a flagship initiative.
The project, currently under feasibility study, aims to upgrade the existing Ikere Gorge dam from its present output of 6‑12 MW to a potential capacity of up to 250 MW. Ibironke explained that this expansion would:
- Add a significant baseload renewable source to the national mix
- Reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel peaker plants during peak demand periods
- Contribute to grid inertia, thereby improving frequency stability
He referenced a 2023 study by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) that projects hydropower can provide up to 30 % of Nigeria’s electricity demand by 2030 if projects like Ikere Gorge are realized.
Ikere Gorge Hydropower Project: A Case Study in Clean Energy Expansion
The Ikere Gorge scheme exemplifies how targeted infrastructure investments can simultaneously address energy access and grid reliability. Key points from the UK PACT discussion include:
- Environmental and social impact assessments have been completed, with mitigation plans approved by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
- Financing structures are being explored that blend concessional loans from multilateral development banks with private‑sector equity, following the model used for the Zungeru Hydroelectric Project.
- Upon completion, the plant is expected to deliver approximately 1,100 GWh annually, enough to power over 1.2 million households.
These figures are drawn from the project’s preliminary feasibility report (2022) and have been cross‑checked with data from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).
Conclusion
Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed’s call for full SCADA integration reflects NISO’s commitment to leveraging technology and regulatory frameworks to strengthen Nigeria’s power system. By coupling real‑time monitoring capabilities with ambitious clean‑energy projects such as Ikere Gorge, the operator aims to deliver a grid that is not only stable and efficient but also ready to meet the country’s growing electricity demand in a sustainable manner.
