By Adaobi Nsofor
In a strategic move to improve the energy and gas sector of the state, the Anambra State Government has declared its intention to partner with GasInvest Limited, a consulting company for Shell Nigeria Gas.
The Chief Executive Officer of
GasInvest Limited, Mr. Michael Faniran, during his courtesy visit to the MD/CEO
of Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited, discussed the Gas
and Power Infrastructure Masterplan for Anambra State. He noted that developing
the Anambra State Energy and Gas Masterplan requires capturing essential data
and inputs, as the project is highly data-intensive.
He explained that achieving
results requires two main components: first, determining the current quantum of
energy demand and projecting demand for the next 20 to 30 years; and second,
identifying the geographical locations of these demands.
According to him, "These
two factors are crucial for the gas masterplan, enabling us to understand how
geographically dispersed or configured these demands are. This will allow us to
develop optimal infrastructure to serve the demand points."
Regarding the synergy between
the company and Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited
(ASSMDCL), Mr. Faniran stated that the mining sector requires energy. Part of
their visit was to identify mining site locations in the state, assess the benefits
of these mineral resources, and pinpoint the locations of processing plants.
This will help in developing the necessary power infrastructure to support the
sector.
Responding, the MD/CEO of
ASSMDCL, Prof. Charles O. Ofoegbu, stated that while there are numerous mining
sites in Anambra, the new approach is to focus on downstream processing, adding
value to the mining sector, which requires sustainable power.
Using the Kaolin Processing
Plant at Ukpor as a case study, Prof. Ofoegbu emphasised that the plant is a
flagship project of the Governor, demonstrating the potential for value
addition in the solid minerals sector. He noted that the long-abandoned Kaolin
Plant has now been refurbished, with civil works completed.
Prof. Ofoegbu added that the
plan is to produce industrial-grade Kaolin and pharmaceutical-grade Kaolin for
medicinal purposes. Additionally, he mentioned that the equipment required to
operate the factory is already on-site, while the commissioning of the project
by the Governor is scheduled for the first week of March.
The ASSMDCL boss further stated
that a Bentonite Processing Factory is also being established in
Achallagu-Nteje to harness the region’s vast Bentonite deposits. He expressed
optimism that with the collaborative partnership between the two companies, the
state's energy sector will gain prominence in alignment with the vision of the
Soludo-led administration.
Post a Comment