The 700MW Zungeru hydroelectric power plant reached 47% completion stage, CNEEC-Sinohydro Consortium, the Chinese firm handling the project has said.
The Deputy Project Manager, Mr Xiao Nie, who conducted newsmen on tour to the $1.2bn project site in Zungeru, Niger State, said project, made up of four units of 175mw each, was expected to be completed in 2020. It was inaugurated in 2013.
The first phase would be released by December 2019 while the remaining units would be released after every three months, he added.
He said the project consists of a dam for storage reservoir with maximum operation water level of 230m, and total storage capacity of 11.4×109m3.
He said the power project has annual power generation of 2,640GWh, and is also expected to generate and supply electricity to the national grid.
Nie noted that the Zungeru plant, after completion, would improve electricity supply and boost the industrial development in the country.
"It will also be helpful for the flood control, the development of fisheries and agriculture. The navigable period and the length of the fairway will also be extended," he said.
He said the consortium had employed more than 3000 local staff members who were trained in different skills.
