On Monday, July 1, Mainstream Energy Solutions publicly refuted widespread reports of an explosion at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant. The company, which assumed ownership of the $1.3 billion facility in January 2024, clarified that these claims, circulated by various media outlets, are entirely unfounded.
In a statement released on July 1, signed by the company’s management, Mainstream Energy Solutions addressed the false reports head-on. The statement reads:
“The fake news concerning an explosion at the Zungeru Hydropower Plant with resulting casualties published in newspapers on July 1, 2024, and circulated on social media has been brought to our attention. We wish to express our strong objection to this false and mischievous report, categorically stating that no such incident occurred.
“This report is not only false but also highly irresponsible and insensitive, given the pervasive nature of insecurity issues in Nigeria. The implications of such a misleading report are severe and far-reaching, creating unnecessary panic among our investors, partners, staff, and their families. This can potentially destabilize the confidence and trust we have built over the years.”
“Fully operational”
Mainstream Energy Solutions emphasized that the 700 megawatts (MW) Zungeru Hydropower Plant remains fully operational and continues to supply power to Nigerian homes and businesses. The statement highlighted that the plant recently concluded a successful 15-day test run, significantly boosting the national grid’s power supply.
According to the statement, the Board and Management of the Zungeru Hydropower Plant are committed to maintaining transparency and building trust with their stakeholders. By promptly addressing and refuting the false explosion reports, Mainstream Energy Solutions aims to reassure the public and stakeholders of the plant’s safety and operational status.
Power Minister Statement
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Mr Bolaji Tunji, Nigeria’s Power Minister, Adebayo Adelabu, said the Zungeru power plant was on the grid and running at optimum capacity.
He said:
“I have spoken with the Managing Director of Mainstream Energy and I can assure you that nothing of such took place in Zungeru. The plant is working and it continues to supply to the grid.
“We have video evidence from Zungeru that nothing like that occurred today, and whoever is interested should go there to find out. It is rather unfortunate that people will sit down somewhere and cook up this sort of story. It is unpatriotic, such people should desist from creating unnecessary panic.
“We have seen the worst in the sector, we can only get better. We promised incremental supply of power and that is what is happening now and that’s why we have the present improvement and it will continue,” he stated.
Zungeru’s successful handover by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) earlier in the year has positioned Mainstream Energy Solutions as the largest hydropower company in Africa, boasting an impressive capacity of over 2,000 MW. The Zungeru Hydropower Plant is a testament to Nigeria’s growing capabilities in the energy sector.