Power Supply: Nebo Advocates Strengthening Of Transmission Network

A former minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has advocated the strengthening of the transmission network for improved electricity supply in the country.

Nebo made the suggestion on the occasion of the Southeast Electricity Summit organised by the Southeast Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) in Enugu yesterday.

Nebo, who delivered the keynote address with the theme, “Genuine Search for 24/7 Electricity Supply to the Southeast”, however, faulted a situation whereby generation will be outrageously bigger than transmission.

He stressed the need for the country to have a more transmission capacity than generation for an improved power supply.

The former vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria emphasised the need to strengthen the transmission capacity.

He said it was shameful that Nigeria has been experiencing darkness for many years and restated his advocacy for more transmission than supply.

Nebo also used the opportunity to advocate for modern mechanized mining as well as remediation.

He also advocated a Coal Fire plant in Enugu, stressing the need for remediation while using coal for power supply.

Earlier in a welcome address, the national chairman of the Southeast Electricity Consumers Association, Rev Okechukwu Obioha explained that the Summit seeks to make a case for an alternative to Gas and Hydro powered electricity generating plants, by advocating the return of coal powered electricity generating plant/s in the South East of Nigeria; hence broadening the energy generation mix in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the South East was expected to leverage the comparative advantage it has in the abundance of coal in her zone.

“This Summit is intended to, in addition to the Keynote Address from Venerable Prof Chinedu Nebo, former VC UNN, former VC Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, former Minister of Power and current VC University on the Niger, collate contributions from distinguished participants who are from various walks of life, document same into a saleable advocacy document to governments of the South East states of Nigeria,” he stated..

Obioha added that the compilation will form a volume that will be presented to the five Southeast Governors and the Speakers for perusal; as well as serve as a guide for formulating a valid policy thrust and development towards implementation.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for advocacy against emissions to the ozone layer and climate change.

‘Many countries still rely on coal for electricity, with China and India leading, accounting for over three-quarters of global coal-fired power alongside the US and Japan. South Africa remains highly dependent, generating 69% of its energy from coal, while others like Indonesia and Vietnam also maintain high usage” he stated.