Mabon Limited has partnered with HYDROGRID to deploy the HYDROGRID Insight optimisation platform at the 40MW Dadin Kowa hydropower plant in Gombe State, Nigeria. Located on the Gongola River, the plant forms part of the country’s second-largest dam, which holds a 300km² reservoir with a design storage capacity of 2.8 billion cubic meters.
The partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency at Dadin Kowa by improving inflow forecasting, optimising production across seasonal conditions, reducing spillage, and aligning maintenance work with periods of low-value generation. According to the companies, the introduction of AI-driven decision support is expected to help maximise yield at one of Nigeria’s most significant hydropower assets.
“Mabon Dadin Kowa Hydropower Plant is only a few years into operation, which makes this the right moment to build smarter systems into how we run it. With HYDROGRID, we will have better visibility into what is coming – whether that is the next rainy season or the next maintenance window – so we can make decisions that serve both the plant and the communities depending on it. This is also about sustainability: using every cubic meter of water wisely and ensuring the plant delivers long-term value in line with Nigeria’s clean energy goals,” said Richard Madubunyi, Managing Director/CEO of Mabon Limited.
Since entering operation and connecting to the grid in 2020, the plant has produced more than 900GWh of clean electricity. Beyond power supply, Mabon says the project supports regional socioeconomic development through infrastructure improvements, education initiatives, and employment opportunities. Dadin Kowa also contributes to the country’s Electricity Vision 30:30:30, which targets 30GW of installed capacity by 2030, with renewables contributing at least 30%.
“We are proud to collaborate with Mabon on Dadin Kowa, as they set out to combine robust infrastructure with cutting-edge digital tools early in the plant’s operational life. This approach will accelerate performance gains and ensure the plant delivers maximum value over its lifetime,” said Janice Goodenough, CEO of HYDROGRID.
According to HYDROGRID, the deployment will support more accurate seasonal inflow forecasting, improved reservoir and dispatch management to minimise spillage, and better long-term maintenance planning to reduce financial impacts and preserve asset value. The companies say early digitalisation will help accelerate environmental and economic returns at the project.
