The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has plans to establish energy renewable plant in Nigeria using agricultural products. The energy renewable plant in Nigeria will be constructed in Benue State,is among the Federal Government’s effort to diversify the country’s economy.

Rabiu Suleiman, Corporation’s Group General Manager in charge of Renewable Energy Division, confirmed that the project will cost about US$300m. He added that the project will receive financial boost from a joint venture which is made up foreign partners. However, technical partners have already been secured by the corporation.

The Federal Government conceived the renewable energy using agricultural products to diversify energy generation from the existing sources in 2005 and since then the new renewable energy proposal has been in the government’s pipeline to fulfil it.

Additionally, Benue State Government has offered a 20,000 hectares of land in order for the project to commence. However, Benue State Government will have equal share in the project. Infact, other states have been informed on the renewable energy project.

The proposed renewable plant is expected to boost the country’s economic growth and at the same time create employment opportunity for the state residents. Nonetheless, the provided land for the renewable plant will as well be put to use in cultivating palm kernel from where ethanol will be extracted as a source of renewable energy, sugarcane and cassava.

Crude oil has also been discovered at Benue valley and Chad. Success of the Benue plant will determine the commencement of other proposed plants. Samuel Ortom, Benue State Governor, has assured NNPC delegation, that his administration will offer adequate security to both Nigerian workers and the expatriate engaged in the plant.

In recent years, several countries in Africa have embraced renewable power in bid to satisfy quest for power. Morocco is leading the pack with several solar power projects. Kenya’s Lake Turkana wind farm is has been named among the leading wind power in the world.