Enugu State Government has revealed plan to build a 660 megawatts coal power plant in the state, with construction expected to start by July this year.
The project is part of Governor Peter Mbah plan to grow Enugu economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in the coming years.
Governor Mbah made this known on May. 6, when members of Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) visited him at Government House, Enugu, to show support.
The governor said Enugu was the first state in Nigeria to create its own electricity market after changes in the Constitution and Electricity Act allowed states to take part in power generation, transmission and distribution.
He said the state has moved beyond only setting up electricity market and is now ready to begin producing power inside Enugu.
According to him, ground breaking for the 660MW coal power plant will happen in July, while construction is expected to last for 24 months.
He said if everything goes as planned, the power plant should be ready after 2027, and people in Enugu will enjoy stable electricity for homes and businesses.
Mbah also said the electricity from the plant will be cheaper than what many people are paying in other parts of Nigeria.
Speaking about concerns over coal use, the governor said Enugu coal is of high quality, with low sulfur content and strong energy value.
He explained that the sulfur content is below 0.5 percent, which he described as one of the best in the world.
He added that instead of exporting the coal, the state wants to use it locally to generate power and create more value.
The governor said the project was not rushed, adding that his administration spent close to two years carrying out studies and securing coal assets that will supply the plant.
He also mentioned other projects aimed at improving business environment in Enugu, including investment in security, one-stop centre for investors, technology incubation centre, and partnership with Nigerian Communications Commission to build Artificial Intelligence Institute.
According to him, Enugu wants to benefit from the future growth of AI and become a producer, not only a consumer.
Earlier, OPSN endorsed Governor Mbah for second term in office and praised his leadership.
The group said he has helped improve confidence in Enugu as a good place for business, investment and living.
They also asked for better electricity supply, fair taxes, easier land access, affordable loans and more support for small businesses.
Speaking for the group, Chairman of NECA South East Zone, Ugochukwu Chime, praised the administration for work done in security, roads, transport, hospitality and social services.
He said better roads have improved movement of people and goods and increased economic activities across the state.
Other business leaders at the meeting also praised the governor and said Enugu is becoming stronger as a business centre again.
Some members of the group later presented made-in-Enugu products to Governor Mbah.
