NNPC Completes Repairs of Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has completed repair of the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline, ending almost seven months of gas supply outage caused by vandalisation of the pipeline in Delta State.
According to a statement issued by the management of the corporation, almost 200mmcf/d of gas is now being re-instated into the grid.
“This will improve power availability in the country, after the prolonged period of outages. An additional 60mmcf/d is expected within 3 weeks when ongoing repair works at the Utorogu gas plant is also completed. Nigerians should expect continuous steady improvement in power availability through the course of the year.
“Despite short term challenges being experienced, it is essential to state that the gas sector reform is ongoing and on course. The Minister for Petroleum, Alison-Madueke, directed an accelerated implementation of the Nigerian Gas master-plan. This resulted in an aggressive infrastructure drive and major reforms of the commercial framework for gas in Nigeria.
“In the last three years alone, over 400km of new gas pipelines have been completed, expanding pipeline capacity and enhancing connectivity between various gas supply sources. Today, all PHCN and NIPP power plants are connected to gas pipeline infrastructure,” the statement noted.
It added that an additional 450km are under construction currently, of which 340km is due to conclude by end 2014 and the balance by 2016.“The ongoing gas infrastructure work is the most extensive the nation has ever seen, with many new km of pipeline being added every day. Gas production and supply has also grown to an all time high of 1500mmcf/d from less than 500mmcf/d 4 years ago.
“A major part of this new supply is being directed to the power sector, whilst the non-power sector, such as cement, manufacturing e.t.c., has seen a doubling in supply to them within the same period. Unfortunately, challenges of pipeline attack continue to undermine the impact of these efforts.
“Supply growth remains the priority of the Ministry of Petroleum and NNPC. Many projects are being progressed to assure realisation of this objective. Before the end of the year, about 200mmcf/d new gas will be added to the grid as some projects are completed in June and September.
The trend is expected to continue through 2015 when many more projects are completed.
Nigerians should be assured that all efforts are being put in place to ensure sustainable growth in gas supply, with particular focus to the Power sector,” the statement added.