FG to generate 30% electricity from coal – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said efforts are currently in top gears by his administration to generate 30 per cent electricity from coal.

The president gave this disclosure, Monday during a workshop of solid minerals development held inside the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the coal resource was an avenue for the country to diversify its energy stock.

Jonathan said, “Nigeria has about 44 varieties of minerals in more than 500 locations, seven of which are recognised as strategic minerals owing to their high economic potential.

“The country has the capacity to expand the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the economy. The fact that the minerals are spread across the country is a blessing as every part of Nigeria can prosper from them.

“For example, the coal resource represents an excellent opportunity for us to diversify our energy stock.

“It is our intention that 30 per cent of our electricity generation should come from coal, using environmentally-friendly and clean technology. Nigeria is endowed with abundant coal reserves of the required quality necessary for power generation.”

Jonathan said he welcomed the growing synergy between the ministries of Mines and Steel Development and Power.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding on coal to power was signed for the development of the Ezinmo Coal Block in Enugu and a 1,000 megawatts coal power generating plant.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and HTG-Pacific Energy Consortium for the development of the Ezinmo Coal Bricks.