Combined Cycle Power Plant Technology: Prospects in Boosting Nigeria’s Electricity Production

Abstract

The Combined Cycle Power Plant or Combined Cycle Gas Turbine is described as a gas turbine generator in which electricity is generated and the resulting waste heat is used to produce steam to generate additional electricity by means of a steam turbine. The gas turbine is considered one of the most resourceful for conversion of gas fuel to mechanical power or in this case electricity. The electricity sector in Nigeria’s has suffered a systemic failure over the years. In the earlier years, considering the 70s and 80s, electric power production and supply was considered ample and barely sufficient to meet the National demand. And recently, it is still experiencing gradual deterioration and is still struggling to meet the increase in the demand for electricity as a result of increase in population. Electricity production in Nigeria over the last 35 years constitutes various methods of generation of which are gas-fired, oil-fired, hydro-electric power stations, and coal-fired station with hydroelectric power system. And with infrastructural developments, oil and gas-fired power stations make up about 85% of her power plants. This paper discusses the prospects of combined cycle power plants (CCPPs) for boosting generation of electricity in Nigeria, the associated technology, and the possibilities to be exploited, hence, meeting up with the rise in the demand for energy for sustainable national development. The paper also suggests the potentials of improving present gas-fired power plants into combined cycle power plants for enhanced electricity generation and supply.