Energy infrastructure faces capacity losses in Nigeria and political uncertainty in Australia

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) reports a revenue loss exceeding N300 billion due to suppressed and stranded generation capacity. Managing Director Jennifer Adighije stated that while the company has over 1,500MW of mechanically available capacity, it has only been allocated an hourly dispatch of approximately 500MW. The company also faces over N400 billion in unpaid liabilities from the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), distribution companies, and other market participants. Key operational challenges cited include transmission constraints, low tariffs, gas supply issues, and vandalism.

In Australia, the future of several gigawatts of wind and solar projects is uncertain due to political debates surrounding the VNI West transmission link. The Victorian Coalition has proposed scrapping the 240km section of the project located within Victoria if they win the upcoming state election. The project, which has a transfer capacity of up to 3.5 gigawatts, is considered a key component of the Australian Energy Market Operator’s Integrated System Plan for the green energy transition, though it remains a point of ideological contention regarding the shift from coal to renewables.