Nigerian former Minister of Power and Chairman, Geometric Power Limited, Barth Nnaji, has said that diversifying the country’s energy mix to include coal-to-power projects can add an additional 4,300 megawatts to Nigeria’s electricity power generation for the next 20 years with its proven coal deposits estimated at about 2.8 billion metric tons.

“At the calorific value of coal in the Anambra basin (Enugu, Anambra, Benue and Kogi), 3.2 million tonnes of coal is required to generate 1000mw per year. A typical coal fired power plant is designed to last for a minimum of 20 years. This means that 2.8bn metric tonnes can sustain 4,375mw,” he said.

According to him, a 1,000mw coal-fired power plant costs about $1.7m to $2m and approximately three years to set up.

“Nigeria should definitely make use of coal as a source of fuel. Nigeria needs enough base load power – that is power that is industrial and stable. The main sources of such power are large hydros, natural gas and coal. There is a need to have a fuel mix in order to have stable and reliable power supply in Nigeria,” said Nnaji.