NNPC to Supply Port Harcourt Refinery’s Excess Power to National Grid

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced a strategic partnership with Genesis Energy Limited to channel excess power generated from the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) into the national electricity grid.

This collaboration aims to boost national grid stability, expand electricity access across Nigeria, and advance the Federal Government’s clean energy transition agenda. The plan was unveiled during an official visit by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to Genesis Energy’s operational site within the Port Harcourt Refinery complex in Eleme, Rivers State.

Genesis Energy operates Nigeria’s largest licensed private off-grid clean power plant — an 84-megawatt (MW) facility dedicated to powering the Port Harcourt refinery. However, since the refinery is currently undergoing a technical review, a significant portion of the power produced remains unused.

According to Minister Adelabu, while the refinery requires about 20 MW for its operations, the remaining 60 MW of generation capacity has been stranded. He noted that this represents a broader challenge within Nigeria’s energy landscape, where more than 10,000 MW of installed capacity across various plants remains idle due to transmission and distribution constraints.

Under the new initiative, NNPC and Genesis Energy will collaborate to harness the unused power from the refinery and feed it into the national grid. The project aligns with the Federal Government’s Power Sector Reform and Energy Transition Agenda, which seeks to optimize existing infrastructure while encouraging private sector participation.

Chief Adelabu commended Genesis Energy for its operational excellence and its commitment to innovation within the energy sector. He reaffirmed the government’s support for similar partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power supply network.

“We currently have over 10 gigawatts of stranded generation capacity in Nigeria. This collaboration with Genesis Energy is a step in the right direction — a proof of concept that shows how we can integrate excess capacity into the national grid,” Adelabu said.

He added that the project could lead to the addition of up to 120 MW of electricity to the national grid once its pilot phase concludes. The minister further assured that the government would expedite transmission infrastructure upgrades and finalize necessary commercial frameworks to ensure seamless power evacuation from the facility.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Akinwole Omoboriowo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Energy Group, described the partnership as a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing clean and reliable energy solutions in Nigeria.

“At Genesis Energy, our mission is to power progress through strategic partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. This collaboration with NNPC represents pragmatic innovation — leveraging existing assets to enhance refinery productivity, support local industries, and contribute to national development,” Omoboriowo said.

He emphasized that the initiative would not only help stabilize the national grid but also generate employment, stimulate industrial growth, and provide consistent electricity to nearby communities.

Genesis Energy reiterated its commitment to working with the Federal Government, investors, and stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s just energy transition and improve grid reliability.

The 84 MW Port Harcourt Refinery Independent Power Plant (IPP), powered by three GE TM2500+ gas turbines, is designed to deliver uninterrupted and sustainable energy. Beyond powering refinery operations, it also enhances local energy security and reduces dependence on diesel and erratic grid supply.

Furthermore, the company highlighted that gas-to-power solutions like the PHRC IPP serve as a catalyst for renewable energy expansion. For every 1 MW of gas-generated power, there is potential for up to 2 MWp of solar investment — a synergy that supports Nigeria’s climate resilience and clean energy ambitions.

The collaboration between NNPC and Genesis Energy marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing effort to modernize its energy sector, transform stranded assets into productive capacity, and ensure that the country’s vast energy potential directly benefits its citizens.