Power Revolution in Southeast Nigeria: Enugu to Build Massive 660MW Coal Plant as Groundbreaking Begins in July

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Enugu State is set for a major economic and industrial transformation following the announcement of plans to construct a massive 660-megawatt coal-fired power plant, a landmark project expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the Southeast region.

Governor Peter Mbah disclosed the development on Wednesday while hosting a delegation from the Organised Private Sector Nigeria (OPSN) at the Government House in Enugu.

According to the governor, groundbreaking for the power project will commence in July 2026, while the state government targets full completion and commissioning within 24 months.

“I am pleased to inform you that in July we are going to be breaking ground for a 660MW coal-fired power plant,” Governor Mbah stated during the meeting. “The outlay in terms of time for building the plant is 24 months. So, our target is to commission that power plant 24 months after the groundbreaking in July.”

The ambitious energy project is expected to leverage Enugu State’s vast high-grade coal deposits and strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s emerging subnational electricity markets.

The governor explained that the initiative forms part of his administration’s broader economic agenda to grow Enugu’s economy from an estimated $4.4 billion to $30 billion through industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and energy security.

Business leaders and members of the organised private sector welcomed the announcement, describing the project as a potential game-changer for businesses and manufacturing operations in the Southeast. Representatives from major business groups including NECA, MAN, NASSI, NASME, and the Enugu Chamber of Commerce reportedly expressed support for the administration’s economic direction.

The proposed power plant is expected to provide stable baseload electricity for industries, commercial centers, and households, reducing dependence on diesel and petrol generators that currently drive-up production costs for businesses across the country.

The development comes at a time Nigeria continues to battle persistent national grid failures and inadequate power generation, issues that have slowed industrial growth and discouraged investment in many sectors.

Authorities say modern technologies and environmental safeguards will be integrated into the project to improve efficiency and reduce environmental concerns commonly associated with coal-fired energy generation.

Details regarding project financing, technical partners, exact location, and environmental impact measures are expected to emerge in the coming months as preparations intensify ahead of the July groundbreaking ceremony.

If successfully completed, the project could position Enugu as a major energy and industrial hub in Nigeria’s Southeast region.