GOVERNOR MBAH UNVEILS PLAN FOR 660MEGA WATTS COAL POWER PLANT TO DRIVE ENUGU’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Enugu State Government has announced plans to commence the construction of a 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant in July 2026 as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth and improve electricity supply across the state.

Governor PETER MBAH, who disclosed the development yesterday during a solidarity visit by the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN), Enugu State chapter, at the Government House in Enugu, said the power project forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to expand Enugu State’s economy from an estimated 4.4 billion dollars to 30 billion dollars.

MBAH stated that the state had already taken significant steps toward energy independence following constitutional and legislative reforms that transferred aspects of electricity regulation from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, thereby enabling states to participate in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

He explained that the project, designed to provide stable and affordable electricity for both residential and commercial consumers in the state, is expected to be completed within 24 months, with commissioning targeted for sometime after 2027.

Addressing environmental concerns often associated with coal-fired plants, MBAHmaintained that Enugu possesses high-quality coal with low sulfur content and high calorific value, making it more environmentally suitable for energy generation.