Rural electrification is a global challenge especially in the developing countries. The problem of rural electrification is acute in Nigeria because the country has not been able to provide adequate supply to the connected consumers. The case of Bayelsa State is peculiar because the geographical position of the state offer various problems to rural electrification. The state is bounded by rivers, estuaries, creeks and stagnant swamps that pose problems to rural electrification in terms of settlements, accessible roads, good available means of transport etc.
The climatic conditions and flooding are factors militating against the rapid growth of this area. Lack of industrial customers, low load forecast and very long distances from the grid with huge cost of installation, maintenance and operations are key factors.
Bayelsa State is dissected centrally by longitude 6° East and latitude 4.5° North. Bayelsa State with a population of 1,121,693 spread over a land area of 12,000 sq kilometer most of which is water or wet lands. Its definitive boarder is the 185 kilometer of coast line through which its many rivers issue into the Atlantic Ocean. There are few big cities due to the flooding and erosion and some are almost cut off from the capital due to the area of settlement.
Bayelsa State is located in the heart of the Niger Delta and is one of the central areas that produce the resources (Oil and Gas) which account for about 97 percent of the National total earning (Sambo 2008). The operational base of the oil companies are not located within the source of the revenue, thereby making the place poor, rejected with no impact of such huge revenue taken out of this areas. These areas of Bayelsa State was regarded as rural areas before the creation of the state, therefore it has little or no development. The Oil Companies contributed to the level of poverty because the administrative headquarter of these companies are out of state and are far from the source of the oil deposit. The outcome of this was denial of the people from all social amenities, unemployment, rejection, poverty and devastation of the ecological sources due to spillages and gas flaring.
Due to the outcry, the government is trying to put certain things in place for the development of the Niger Delta, therefore it is necessary to study the problems facing the environment so that policies, designs and construction will be based on facts concerning the development of the area.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 Introduction
2.0 The Existing Supply
3.0 Substation Feeder and Cost Analysis
4.0 Analysis of Feeder/Load Consumption
4.1 Calculation of Voltage Drop for Feeder
5.0 Discussion
6.0 Recommendation
7.0 Conclusion
8.0 References
OVERVIEW ON THE PROBLEMS OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN BAYELSA STATE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Rural electrification is a global challenge especially in the developing countries. The problem of rural electrification is acute in Nigeria because the country has not been able to provide adequate supply to the connected consumers. The case of Bayelsa State is peculiar because the geographical position of the state offer various problems to rural electrification. The state is bounded by rivers, estuaries, creeks and stagnant swamps that pose problems to rural electrification in terms of settlements, accessible roads, good available means of transport etc.
The climatic conditions and flooding are factors militating against the rapid growth of this area. Lack of industrial customers, low load forecast and very long distances from the grid with huge cost of installation, maintenance and operations are key factors.
Bayelsa State is dissected centrally by longitude 6° East and latitude 4.5° North. Bayelsa State with a population of 1,121,693 spread over a land area of 12,000 sq kilometer most of which is water or wet lands. Its definitive boarder is the 185 kilometer of coast line through which its many rivers issue into the Atlantic Ocean (Adekpoju et al 2007, ECN 2004 Sambo 2006). There are few big cities due to the flooding and erosion and some are almost cut off from the capital due to the area of settlement.
Bayelsa State is located in the heart of the Niger Delta and is one of the central areas that produce the resources (Oil and Gas) which account for about 97 percent of the National total earning (Sambo 2008, Igbinovia and Orukpe 2007). The operational base of the oil companies are not located within the source of the revenue, thereby making the place poor, rejected with no impact of such huge revenue taken out of this areas. These areas of Bayelsa State was regarded as rural areas before the creation of the state, therefore it has little or no development. The Oil Companies contributed to the level of poverty because the administrative headquarter of these companies are out of state and are far from the source of the oil deposit. The outcome of this was denial of the people from all social amenities, unemployment, rejection, poverty and devastation of the ecological sources due to spillages and gas flaring (Igbinovia Orukpe 2007).
Due to the outcry, the government is trying to put certain things in place for the development of the Niger Delta, therefore it is necessary to study the problems facing the environment so that policies, designs and construction will be based on facts concerning the development of the area.
The socio-economic development processes revolve around suitable and sustainable power supply. In fact, it is the nucleus of operations and subsequently the engine of growth for all sector of the economy. It also determines the living standard of the people and as well stop the immigration to urban areas. It is therefore necessary to study the factors militating against the rural electrification project, using the existing one as a case study.
2.0 THE EXISTING SUPPLY
Prior to the existing Kolo gas turbine most of the Towns were supplied by the diesel generators through the rural electrification scheme by the Rivers State utilities board. These systems were inadequate and far from been efficient.
Betwe4en 1980 – 1983, the Kolo creek gas turbine was constructed and commissioned. This gas turbine was intended for rural supply and at that period served only three local government areas. The installed capacity was 40MW with two 11KV plants.
From the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996, due to resettlement in the capital (Yenagoa), the need for power supply increased, with the Kolo Creek gas turbine as the only source of supply (Idoniboye-Obu and Odubo 2010, Pabla 2006) .The power station operates on 33kv busbar at the Kolo Gas turbine. The distribution prior to the intervention of the National Electric Power Authority is in fig. 1.
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Fig. 1: Power system layout of Kolo Creek Gas Turbine
From the completion of the Gbarain Toru Gas turbine in the state about 20MW power was interconnected through the main Busbar of Kolo Gas turbine. The upgraded grid is shown in fig 2.
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Frequently Asked Questions: OVERVIEW ON THE PROBLEMS OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN BAYELSA STATE
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides an overview of the challenges related to rural electrification in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. It discusses the unique geographical and socio-economic factors that hinder the provision of adequate electricity supply to rural communities.
What are some of the key problems identified in the introduction?
The introduction highlights several problems, including the state's geographical position (rivers, swamps, etc.), challenging climatic conditions, low load forecasts, long distances from the grid, high installation and maintenance costs, and a lack of industrial customers.
Why is Bayelsa State's location a challenge for rural electrification?
Bayelsa State's location in the Niger Delta, with its rivers, estuaries, creeks, and swamps, presents difficulties in terms of settlement patterns, accessible roads, and transportation, all of which complicate rural electrification efforts.
What is the economic context of Bayelsa State in relation to oil and gas production?
Bayelsa State is a major producer of oil and gas, contributing significantly to Nigeria's national earnings. However, the operational bases of oil companies are often located outside the state, leading to limited local development and contributing to poverty, unemployment, and environmental degradation.
What is the role of the government in addressing these problems?
The government is attempting to address the challenges of development in the Niger Delta region. This document emphasizes the need to base policies, designs, and construction on facts concerning the development of the area, specifically regarding rural electrification.
Why is rural electrification considered important for socio-economic development?
Rural electrification is seen as crucial for socio-economic development because it supports all sectors of the economy, improves living standards, and helps prevent migration to urban areas.
What was the existing power supply situation before the Kolo gas turbine?
Prior to the Kolo gas turbine, many towns were supplied by diesel generators through the rural electrification scheme managed by the Rivers State utilities board. These systems were considered inadequate and inefficient.
What is the significance of the Kolo Creek gas turbine?
The Kolo Creek gas turbine, constructed between 1980 and 1983, was intended for rural supply and initially served three local government areas with an installed capacity of 40MW.
How did the creation of Bayelsa State impact the power supply situation?
The creation of Bayelsa State in 1996 led to increased demand for power due to resettlement in the capital, Yenagoa, with the Kolo Creek gas turbine becoming the primary source of supply.
What is the role of the Gbarain Toru Gas turbine?
Upon completion, the Gbarain Toru Gas turbine interconnected approximately 20MW of power through the main busbar of the Kolo Gas turbine, contributing to an upgraded grid system.
- Quote paper
- John Tarilanyo Afa (Author), 2011, Overview on the Problems of Rural Electrification in Bayelsa State, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/213052
