Former Power Minister Chinedu Nebo asserts that the South-East can end its energy crisis by leveraging its vast coal reserves through clean coal technology and mine-mouth power plants.
ENUGU – Former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, has declared that 24-hour electricity supply is an achievable goal for the South-East region if it pivots toward “clean coal” technology. Speaking as the keynote speaker at the South-East Electricity Summit in Enugu on Thursday, Nebo argued that the region’s coal deposits offer a more reliable and secure energy base than the currently volatile gas-powered grid.
The summit, themed “Genuine Search for 24/7 Electricity Supply to the South East,” brought together stakeholders to discuss alternatives to Nigeria’s erratic national grid. Nebo highlighted that the South-East currently suffers from high energy costs and a heavy reliance on expensive diesel and petrol generators.
Professor Nebo explained that coal-based generation provides essential “base-load” power-steady electricity that does not suffer from the intermittency of solar energy or the seasonal fluctuations of hydro-power.
“Coal can deliver steady electricity for both households and industries. With clean coal technology, 24-hour power supply is achievable,” Nebo stated. He further noted that utilizing local coal would enhance energy security by reducing the region’s dependence on gas pipelines, which are frequently vulnerable to vandalism.
To realize this vision, Nebo proposed a specific roadmap, including:
- Revalidation of existing coal reserves and digitization of data for investors.
- Rehabilitation of mines and environmental remediation.
- Development of “mine-mouth” power plants to lower transportation costs.
- Launch of a pilot 300-megawatt coal power project within a 24-Month timeframe.
Supporting Nebo’s proposal, Mr. Ayodele Ikumapayi, Managing Director of Valiant Group, revealed that plans are already underway for a 350-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the Oji River area of Enugu State. The project, estimated at $200 million, aims for completion within 24 months, pending final approvals.
Ikumapayi noted that the plant would use clean coal technology to minimize environmental impact, with by-products like fly ash being repurposed for cement and ceramic production. He projected that the plant could produce electricity at a significantly lower cost, with tariffs estimated between N70 and N90 per kilowatt-hour.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, speaking through Commissioner Rueben Okoye, noted that recent legislative changes-including the 2023 Electricity Act and the Enugu State Electricity Law-now empower states to play a leading role in the power sector.
While the summit reflected a high degree of optimism, some leaders expressed a need for action over rhetoric. HRH Lawrence Agubuzu, former Chairman of the Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, noted that while the plans are promising, the region needs “tangible results rather than repeated promises,” citing countries like Ghana as examples of African nations that have achieved consistent power.
The South East Electricity Consumers Association (SECCA) intends to present the summit’s findings to the South-East governors to serve as a policy guide for the region’s industrial and energy future.
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