In a groundbreaking update on the extensive rehabilitation project at the Port Harcourt refinery, Infostride News has learned that Substation 1 has been successfully energized, marking a pivotal step towards the refinery’s revitalization. The information comes from the second part of an audio-visual report meticulously compiled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), shedding light on the remarkable progress achieved in the refinery’s ambitious overhaul.
The report emphasizes the strategic importance of Substation 1, as it is poised to power 14 other substations integral to the refinery’s operations. With an eye on achieving full operational capacity, the Port Harcourt refinery is gearing up for a startup that requires a total of 15 substations to facilitate its extensive operations.
Remarkably, the dedicated team spearheading the rehabilitation effort has successfully laid an impressive 64 kilometers of electrical cables, with a commendable 65% of these cables sourced locally—a move that aligns with a broader commitment to sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
According to the report, Substation 1 has been energized and is primed to supply power to the remaining 14 substations. Serving as the primary power hub for both the old and new refineries, Substation 1 is expected to receive electricity from gas turbine generators by mid-December 2023, thereby fueling various areas within the refinery complex.
Chukwudi Iweha, the Lead Electrical Engineer overseeing the refinery rehabilitation project, emphasized the significance of energizing Substation 1, labeling it a crucial milestone in the powerhouse’s journey towards full functionality. Recent footage provided in the report confirms the successful energization of these substations, underscoring the tangible progress achieved in this ambitious undertaking.
The comprehensive revamp of the electrical system is now enabling seamless power distribution to both Refinery 1 and Refinery 2. Over 100 dedicated staff members played a crucial role in installing the switchgear panels, including high and low-voltage panels and motor control center panels, designed to handle 11,000 volts of electricity.
A noteworthy aspect of this project is the complete replacement of all old equipment at Substation 1 with the latest technology, ensuring maximum efficiency and safety standards. Furthermore, meticulous modifications were implemented to guarantee an uninterrupted power supply, even in the face of unforeseen events, reinforcing the refinery’s commitment to operational reliability.
In a testament to the project’s holistic approach, the control room—an integral component of the refinery’s operations—is now operational. Taiwo Igbosanu, the Lead Instrumentation and Automation Engineer for the project, highlighted key components, including the engineering workstation manned by four engineers and the operations workstation managed by five operators. Their collaborative efforts are laser-focused on maintaining process safety and ensuring the refinery operates within specified conditions for optimal performance.
Taking a step back to recap, Ibrahim Onoja, the Managing Director of the refinery, shared significant insights in the initial part of the comprehensive audio-visual report compiled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). Onoja’s updates included the completion of over 75% of tasks and emphasized the round-the-clock efforts invested by the dedicated workforce to expedite the process.
On the procurement front, Onoja revealed an impressive 98% completion rate, with the successful delivery of most required equipment. He shed light on the nature of refinery equipment, pointing out that while some refineries globally have operated for over a century, periodic upgrades are crucial for enhancing efficiency and aligning with modern standards.
For instance, despite the Port Harcourt refinery’s construction dating back to 1965, various instrumentation equipment has undergone upgrades over the years. The ongoing comprehensive overhaul aims to replace significant equipment, ensuring the refinery is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to meet contemporary operational demands.
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