AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES AND EFFECT OF POWER GRID COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Many people fail to pause and contemplate the significant and transformative impact that electricity has had on the human experience. Electricity is widely used in various parts of contemporary societies. Energy is essential for transportation, production, and the operation of heating systems (Dele, 2019). The absence of electricity would lead to a swift decline in the standard of living, and progress in human technological achievements would probably come to a halt. Akinyemi (2022) contends that the genuine potential of electricity lies not in the supply of social amenities, but in its capability to foster sustained economic expansion.

Oluwole (2019) offers a succinct explanation of a power grid as an advanced system of interconnected transmission lines that facilitate the effective transmission of electricity from power producing sources to the places where it is used. Transmission lines serve as the means of connecting thermal and hydro power facilities to transmission substations around the country (Samuel et al., 2019). In the event of a single generator failure, the grid system ensures an uninterrupted flow of electricity, enabling optimal utilisation and efficiency. According to Ekeng (2023), a power grid is a system of interconnected power sources that link the locations where electricity is produced and used. Electrical networks of varying scales can be employed to span entire countries or continents. The energy grid is an intricate and crucial system that is regarded as one of the foremost engineering accomplishments of the contemporary era (Omoh, 2020).

The power in Nigeria is transmitted at a frequency of 50Hz. When the frequency reaches its lowest or highest point, there is a potential for transmission line failure. Power grid failure, also known as system failure, refers to the disruption of transmission lines caused by excessive or insufficient frequency. This may be due to power being taken excessively due to heavy loading of the transmission cables. According to Sambo et al. (2022), the country utilises multiple electrical grid networks. The prevailing systems utilised consist of 330kV and 132kV distribution sub-grid systems. In their study, Martin & Garba (2023) examined the 330kV grid in Northern Nigeria and concluded that the installation of shunt capacitor compensators can effectively decrease reactive voltage losses. It was discovered that the generators can enhance their performance and align more closely with a minimum bus voltage value that is maintained at a minimum of 0.95 per unit of generation.

The occurrence of system collapse in Nigeria's national grid, which often leads to either a partial or complete blackout, has a substantial influence on the country's industry and socioeconomic progress. The nation's energy demand has surged at an unprecedented rate as a result of the rapid growth in both population and small- and medium-sized enterprises (Bala, 2021). Unfortunately, the Nigeria power system has not experienced sufficient expansion of its components, the integration of newer and smarter technologies, or the development of reliable predictive and condition-based maintenance models. As a result, there have been unexpected voltage collapses. Furthermore, the growth restriction, demand increase, and the competitive and now deregulated power industry have posed challenges for power system control and management in terms of its ability to effectively handle these issues. This is due to the ongoing evolution of the industry (Chisom, 2019). Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nigeria has persistently encountered obstacles in its power sector, which have greatly hindered the country's economic progress and the daily livelihoods of its inhabitants (Amadi & Ekeng, 2024). The region's industrial and residential development has been greatly hindered by the inconsistent supply of electricity, particularly considering its increasing population. The problem of grid collapse has significantly hindered the development of both industrial and residential sectors in the area, particularly due to the continuous increase in population. The repercussions entail extended periods of power blackouts, leading to heightened difficulties for the majority of businesses and households on a regular basis. 

A nationwide grid failure leads to significant discomfort and cost detriment for both residential and industrial consumers (Ekeng, 2023). 

Oleka et al., (2018) asserted the significance of investigating the Nigerian electric power infrastructure, particularly in light of the escalating population, which has led to an increased need for electricity in the country. This scenario results in increased strain on the transmission system, frequently leading to power outages and a decline in the quality of the transmitted power, particularly in the country's 330KV primary power grid. According to their analysis, the Nigerian grid is currently not being used to its full potential and is not functioning optimally due to a shortage of voltage control equipment. It was discovered that the 330KV lines have limitations in terms of their voltage drop levels, even if they are far from reaching their thermal stability limits. Utilising Ultra High Voltage and implementing superior conductors is a viable option, however, the primary enhancement needed is the installation of advanced voltage regulation on the 330KV grid lines. 

Amadi & Ekeng (2024) attribute the failure in the National grid on Nigeria's power system's reluctance to improve its facilities in line with contemporary technological progress. This involves integrating SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and IT applications to create a SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, And Reporting Technology) system. The absence of enhancements results in grid failures since the system is unable of effectively monitoring and detecting defects in order to promptly implement measures for predictive and preventive maintenance. Imoh (2024) supports this claim by noting that in October 2023, there were two instances of system failure, one of which was caused by the explosion of a capacitive voltage transformer (CVT) at Kanji power plant. According to Imoh (2024), the prevention of such disasters can be achieved by enhancing our systems with sufficient intelligence to detect and anticipate errors. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively examine the factors leading to and consequences of power grid failure in Nigeria. 

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the causes and effect of power grid collapse in Nigeria. Specific objectives of this study are:

To assess the extent, the power grid collapse affects Nigerians.

To find out the causes of the power grid collapse in Nigeria

To examine the effects of the power grid collapse on National development.

To proffer solutions in addressing the causes of power grid collapse in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What extent has the power grid collapse affected Nigerians?

What are the causes of the power grid collapse in Nigeria?

What are the effects of the power grid collapse on National development?

What solutions are available in addressing the causes of power grid collapse in Nigeria?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following hypothesis will be validated in this study:

Ho1: The extent the power grid collapse has affected economic development is low

Ho2: There are no effects of power grid collapse on national development

1.6 Significance of the study

An Investigation on the Causes and Effect of Power Grid Collapse in Nigeria" is highly significant as it addresses a critical issue affecting multiple facets of Nigerian society. This study will serve as a baseline for all Nigerians, government and policy makers, students and scholars.

The study's findings would have a substantial positive impact on Nigerians as it sheds light on the potential dangers to public health and safety caused by power system failures. Consequently, it will enable the implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding communities and minimising accidents. Consistent electricity supply has a direct impact on the quality of life by sustaining important services such as healthcare, education, and public safety. This will lead to an enhanced quality of life.

The findings of the study will help the government and policy makers in providing data-driven insights that can inform better policy decisions and regulatory frameworks for the power sector; it will also assist in identifying weaknesses in the current regulatory environment, the study will suggest improvements that enhance the enforcement of standards and practices aimed at preventing grid collapses.

Finally, this study will also serve as a reference material to students and researchers for further studies and future research.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focuses on investigating the causes and effect of power grid collapse in Nigeria. Empirically, this study seeks to assess the extent, the power grid collapse affects Nigerians, find out the causes of the power grid collapse in Nigeria, examine the effects of the power grid collapse on National development and proffer solutions in mitigating the extent of national grid collapse

Further, this study will focus examining the effects of the national grid failure on national development, and it also seeks to proffer solutions in addressing the causes of power grid collapse in Nigeria.

This study will be carried out in Nigeria.

1.7 Limitations of the study

As is customary in all human undertakings, the researchers encountered modest constraints during the investigation. A major limitation of the study is the researcher's financial constraint, as they are a full-time student without any means of income to sustain themselves.

Another limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, as there is limited data available on an investigation on the causes and effect of power grid collapse in Nigeria. Consequently, a significant amount of time and effort was necessary to locate the appropriate resources, books, or information, as well as to gather data. Also, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographic scope, as it just focuses on Nigeria. Consequently, the results of this study are not applicable for generalization, thereby leaving room for other research.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while also fulfilling obligations such as attending lectures and other educational activities. 

1.9 Definition of terms

Voltage collapse: Voltage collapse is the partial or complete loss of end users' or customers' access to the electrical power grid

Power outage: an interruption or failure in the supply of power, especially electricity. the period during which power is lost

National grid: The national grid is an interconnecting system that comprises all generation stations, transmission substations, and distribution substations.

Economic development: Economic Development is the creation of wealth from which community benefits are realized. It is more than a jobs program, it’s an investment in growing your economy and enhancing the prosperity and quality of life for all residents.