TCN begins digitization of old transmission substations to reduce power system losses

By Matthew Eloyi

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has begun the digitization of old transmission substations in its network in order to reduce system losses in the power sector.

Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, released a statement on Friday, February 11, 2022, in Abuja, disclosing this information.

The digitisation project, according to Mbah, aims to improve the automation system of old transmission substations as well as their connectivity with the projected TCN Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

SCADA is a control system architecture which consists of computers, networked data communications, and graphical user interfaces for high-level monitoring of equipment and processes. Its goal is to keep track of and control field devices at remote locations.

According to Mbah, the scope of work for the project included the supply, installation, configuration, testing, and commissioning of Substation Automation Systems (SAS), as well as the control and relay protection systems in the substations.

In her words, “This project would further contribute to grid management and reduce system losses. The digitisation project is funded by the World Bank under the Nigerian Electricity Transmission Project (NETAP) managed by the Project Management Unit (PMU) of TCN.

“In Port-Harcourt Region alone, five substations would be digitalised, and this includes Afam 1, Ahoada, Yenegoa, Owerri, and Uyo substations.”

She explained that the team from TCN-PMU and the General Manager (Transmission), Port-Harcourt Region, formally handed the duly executed document on the digitization project to the contractor at the Afam 1 substation.

The handover, according to Mbah, marked the start of the digitalization process for TCN’s old substations.