The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a fresh initiative to channel excess and previously stranded power from the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) into Nigeria’s national electricity grid. This move follows a landmark strategic collaboration with Genesis Energy, whose 84 MW gas-fired off-grid power plant, located within PHRC in Eleme, Rivers State, currently supplies continuous, reliable electricity to the refinery.
Under the agreement, the power that would otherwise sit idle or be used strictly internally will now be repurposed for distribution via the grid. As the Minister of Power noted, this proof of concept could expand by an additional 120 MW once transmission infrastructure and commercial off-take arrangements are finalised.
For PHRC, which only recently resumed operations after years of dormancy, the arrangement strengthens its refinery reliability and operational efficiency. As Genesis Energy explains, the plant’s stable power supply not only supports PHRC’s processing capacity but also reduces dependence on costly diesel generators and improves energy security.
From a national perspective, the move is a promising step toward better grid stability and industrial support for Nigeria. Private-sector engagement in power generation, especially via partnerships like this, is increasingly regarded as essential, given that the government alone cannot shoulder the investment burden.
Redirecting unused refinery power into the grid could lower Nigeria’s reliance on diesel-fueled generation, reduce costly power outages for industries, and free up public funds. More stable power promotes manufacturing growth, supports job creation and enhances fiscal returns from domestic energy assets while improving investor confidence in grid-linked infrastructure.
