Energy Analysis of Jebba Hydropower Plant

Abstract

Jebba hydro power station is one of the largest singularly installed electricity generation plants in Nigeria with generating capacity of 540-560 MW. n this work, energy efficiency of the power generating and transmitting plant (Jebba) was analyzed. The analysis was carried out using efficiency of supply, seasonal variation of hydro dam as well as technical losses in the process of transmission. Results of the study showed that power generating units numbers 1 and 5 (2G1 and 2G5 respectively) have the highest amount of energy generated throughout the period under consideration (2006-2011). The units generated total energy of 3,471,931 MWh and 2,976,845 MWh respectively, while 2G6 unit generated low amount of 1,163,516 MWh. On a general note, the total energy generation in the six production units was found to behave as: 2G6<2G4<2G2<2G3<2G5<2G1 for the period under consideration. Thus, 2G6 was found to be the most unreliable generating unit when compared to the remaining five units. Low plant availability of 2G6 unit, the unstable grid system and seasonal variation of water were identified as the key factors responsible for the reduction in the efficiency of the power plant. Based on the available data (the estimated efficiency of supply and production, overall efficiency of the plant and the seasonal variation in energy generated) over the period under consideration, the energy generation pattern of the hydropower station is relatively stable and the energy generation operations is efficient (averaged 97%). This study concludes that if the highlighted technical challenges are given due attention, in the years ahead, the plant operating efficiency will be in upward direction above 97 %.

Keywords: Hydropower, plant, transmission, energy, efficiency, dam