Coal-fired power to be developed in Nigeria

Milhouse Engineering & Construction has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its Ministry of Power to create energy from coal to increase the amount of power that Nigeria generates over the next five years. It is the beginning of a long-term plan to reduce the country’s dependence on expensive diesel fuel.

The company plans to mine high-quality coal on 20 000 acres in the Enugu region and process the coal into usable energy to power 100 embedded mini-plants capable of generating up to 5 MW of power each, for a total up to 500 mw of energy by the end of 2018. Nigeria currently produces none of its 3000 – 4000 MW of electricity from coal. With coal, the Nigerian people will gain access to economic opportunity and business growth.

Nigeria has the largest GDP in Africa and Millhouse wants to mitigate potential economic losses caused exorbitant fuel prices. Diesel costs up to 12 times more than coal-based energy sources. The implementation of coal-fired power generation will enable diesel to be free for other uses, improving the current scarcity problems.

"By creating a safe, efficient energy source from Nigeria's valuable stores of high-quality coal, the government can cultivate an environment that is appealing to major corporations and investors, and a growing middle class," said Wilbur C. Milhouse III, P.E., President and CEO of Milhouse Engineering & Construction. "Our approach will bring relief to hundreds of thousands of Nigerians and create jobs and contracting opportunities for local businesses."

Edited by Harleigh Hobbs.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/13052015/coal-fired-power-to-be-developed-in-nigeria-2263/