Nigeria’s Enugu State Government has unveiled plans to develop a 660 megawatt coal fired power plant as part of broader efforts to improve electricity supply and accelerate economic growth in the state.
The project is expected to break ground in July under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah whose government is pursuing an ambitious agenda to expand the state’s economy from 4.4 billion dollars to 30 billion dollars.
Governor Mbah announced the initiative during a visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria to the Government House in Enugu.
The delegation made up of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture expressed support for the governor’s leadership and endorsed him for a second term in office.
According to Governor Mbah, Enugu State became the first subnational entity in Nigeria to establish its own electricity market following reforms that transferred aspects of electricity generation transmission and distribution from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.
He stated that the state is now moving beyond regulatory reforms into direct electricity generation with the planned coal fired power project expected to be completed within 24 months after construction begins.
The governor said the project is intended to provide stable and affordable electricity to both businesses and residents while helping eliminate persistent power supply challenges in the state.
Addressing concerns over coal based power generation he explained that Enugu’s coal deposits contain low sulphur levels and possess high calorific value making them more suitable for cleaner energy production compared to many other coal sources globally.
Governor Mbah added that the administration spent nearly two years conducting technical studies and securing coal reserves to ensure sustainable fuel supply for the plant.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in security infrastructure technology and innovation including plans for a technology incubation centre and a partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission to establish an Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Speaking during the visit Convener of the Organised Private Sector Nigeria in Enugu and Chairman of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association South-East Zone Mr. Ugochukwu Chime praised the administration for improving the investment climate through enhanced security infrastructure and business friendly policies.
Other business leaders including Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Dr. Maduka Onyishi, Mr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, Princess Egbo and Mr. William Agbo also commended the governor for positioning Enugu as an emerging centre for commerce industry and investment.