Enugu To Build 660MW Coal Power Plant In July

Enugu State targets a 660MW coal power plant by July to boost electricity, as Governor Mbah secures a second-term endorsement.

Governor Peter Mbah announcing the 660MW coal power plant in Enugu State

The Enugu State government is taking a massive step to solve its power challenges. A brand new 660MW coal-fired power plant is in the works, and the groundwork begins this July.

Governor Peter Mbah announced this bold initiative during a solidarity visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria at the Government House on Wednesday.

The project is a key part of his administration's plan to grow the state's economy from $4.4 billion to a staggering $30 billion.

Governor Mbah reminded his audience that Enugu was the first state in the country to set up its own electricity market. This move was possible after constitutional amendments moved electricity from the exclusive to the concurrent list, allowing states to generate, transmit, and distribute power.

But setting up a market is just the first step. The governor says the state is now ready to produce its own electricity.

He revealed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the coal-fired plant will hold in July. The construction timeline is set for 24 months.

What does this mean for residents and business owners? Governor Mbah gave a firm promise. After the plant is commissioned post-2027, power outages will become a thing of the past in Enugu. He also assured that the electricity will be highly affordable, potentially the cheapest in the country.

Naturally, using coal raises environmental concerns. However, the governor was quick to address this. He explained that Enugu coal is of remarkable quality, with very low sulfur content and high calorific value.

He noted that the sulfur content is less than 0.5 percent, a standard only closely matched by Japan. Instead of just exporting raw coal, the state plans to add value by using it to generate power.

This decision is not a sudden leap. The administration has spent the last two years conducting studies and securing coal assets to ensure the plant never runs short of fuel.

Beyond power, the state is looking toward the future of technology. Governor Mbah announced plans for a technology incubation centre. He also mentioned a partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission to establish an Artificial Intelligence Institute.

With AI projected to inject $20 trillion into the global economy in four years, the governor insists Enugu must be a producer, not just a consumer, in this space.

The private sector leaders did not just come to listen. They came with a strong message of support.

The OPSN, which includes heavyweights like NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, and ECCIMA, officially endorsed Governor Mbah for a second term in office.

Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, the convener of OPSN in Enugu and Chairman of NECA South East Zone, praised the governor's efforts.

He commended the administration's heavy investments in security, urban renewal, and road networks, noting that these have greatly boosted business activities.

Dr. Chime added that the governor's private sector background has been a huge advantage. It allows him to make practical decisions that foster economic growth and job creation.

Other business leaders at the event echoed these sentiments. They included Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye of NECA, Dr. Maduka Onyishi of Peace Group, and ECCIMA President Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, among others.

While expressing their satisfaction, the private sector operators also made some requests. They asked for harmonized taxes, better access to land, affordable financing, and technical support for small businesses.

To round off the visit, some of the business owners proudly presented locally made products to the governor, showing off the creative and industrial spirit that Enugu is known for.