Modernising the Nigeria 330 kV transmission grid for enhanced resilience, reliability, and stability

Modernising large and weak transmission networks is essential for improving power system resilience, reliability, and voltage stability in developing power systems. This study investigates the performance enhancement of the Nigeria 330 kV transmission grid through the application of Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) and solar photovoltaic (PV) integration using a detailed 48 bus network model. Steady state load flow analysis, contingency assessment, and Available Transfer Capability (ATC) evaluation are employed to examine voltage behaviour and transfer margins under base case and supported operating conditions. The base case results exhibit sustained under-voltage and low ATC margins at a few busbars and generator stations that are far away from large generation hubs. Implementation of STATCOM for enhancing voltage profiles and reactive power support results in a quantifiable increase in transfer capability. Solar PV integration provides broader system benefits through reducing transmission loading and enhancing voltage stability and ATC margins further. The combined use of STATCOM and solar PV leads the improvement in voltage quality, transfer capability, and system robustness. The results show that selective application of power electronic compensation and renewable generation at strategic nodes can bring sufficient modernisation to the Nigeria 330 kV grid with minimal or no physical augmentation, which can provide valuable information to transmission planning and grid strengthening in developing power systems.