The Enugu State Government has confirmed plans to commence construction of a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant this coming July. This ambitious initiative aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s broader vision of expanding the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.
During a solidarity visit from the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House in Enugu on Wednesday, Governor Mbah disclosed the timeline and scale of the project. He noted that the groundbreaking marks a significant leap from merely establishing an electricity market to actively generating power. Enugu, he recalled, became the first subnational entity to create an electricity market following constitutional amendments that moved electricity to the Concurrent List, enabling states to engage in generation, transmission, and distribution.
“We have moved beyond just setting up the electricity market to focusing on producing electricity locally,” Mbah stated. “In July, we will break ground for a 660MW coal-fired plant. The construction period is 24 months, meaning we aim to commission the plant by July 2027. After that, power outages in Enugu will be a thing of the past, both for businesses and residents. Electricity will also be the cheapest in the country due to cost efficiency.”
The governor addressed environmental concerns by highlighting the premium quality of Enugu coal. “Our coal has a sulfur content of less than 0.5 percent and a calorific value of around 7,000 kilocalories per kilogram,” he explained. “Only Japan approaches this quality. Instead of exporting raw coal, we will add value by using it for electricity generation.”
Mbah emphasized that the project was thoroughly researched over two years, including securing coal assets to ensure a steady supply. He also outlined other initiatives to enhance the business climate, such as investments in security, a one-stop investor shop, a technology incubation center, and an Artificial Intelligence Institute in partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission. “AI is projected to contribute $20 trillion to the global economy in four years. We want Enugu to be a producer, not just a consumer,” he added.
The OPSN, which includes NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, and ECCIMA, endorsed Mbah for a second term. Dr. Ugochukwu Chime, OPSN convener and NECA South East Zone chairman, praised the governor’s achievements in security, infrastructure, and urban renewal. “Your private sector background has proven invaluable in driving economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Other leaders, including Dr. Maduka Onyishi and ECCIMA President Engr. Nnanyelugo Onyemelukwe, lauded the administration for transforming Enugu into a hub for business and investment. They presented several locally made products to the governor as a token of appreciation.