Delta unveils plan to unlock 3,000MW power capacity, attract investors

Delta State in Nigeria has unveiled a strategic plan to harness its substantial electricity generation capacity, estimated at nearly 3,000 megawatts. The initiative aims to unlock this potential by attracting significant private investment into the power sector.

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All these things we have discussed need a platform for regulation. “The Delta State Electricity Sector Law provides the platform to build an electricity market that serves industries, investors and consumers.

At the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit, officials outlined the roadmap, emphasizing the creation of a Delta State Electricity Regulatory Commission and a Delta State Rural Electrification Agency. These bodies are intended to provide a regulatory framework, ensure investor returns, protect consumers, and facilitate investment across the electricity value chain.

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Delta State is uniquely positioned. The state has huge gas reserves and almost 3,000 megawatts of installed generation capacity. The remaining gaps are continuous investment in gas feedstock, expansion of transmission infrastructure and strengthening distribution networks.

Mrs. Uche Okafor, Consultant to the Delta State Government on Electricity Market Development, highlighted that the state's Electricity Sector Law, passed in 2024, provides the legal foundation for these developments. She stated that the government is prepared to establish the necessary institutions to drive investment.

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There is over 3,000 megawatts of installed capacity, but there is stranded power because of bottlenecks in distribution. Delta has already created the legal framework for private investment and we are prepared to invest aggressively to close that gap and improve electricity supply to businesses and households.

Major players in the energy sector have expressed strong support. Mr. Peter Ikenga, CEO of Transcorp Power Ughelli, affirmed Delta State's potential to become Nigeria's energy hub, citing its vast gas reserves and generation capacity. He noted that gaps in gas feedstock, transmission, and distribution infrastructure require continuous investment. Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa of Manitoba Power also indicated readiness to invest aggressively to address distribution bottlenecks, which currently result in stranded power despite ample generation capacity. Sumeet Singh of PowerGas Nigeria added that Delta's established gas infrastructure already supports over 20 factories, providing reliable energy.

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For about 10 years we have operated a CNG mother station in Delta. Today, more than 20 factories in the state receive our gas and generate their own electricity without shutting down because of grid failures. Gas prices have remained stable despite global energy shocks, making it a reliable source of energy for manufacturers.