By Felix-Joe Chibunkem
Igbariam Campus: Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Kingsley Ikechukwu Ikebudu explores the benefit and challenges of coal development in Nigeria, providing insights into the country’s energy future.
Coal is a readily combustible rock containing more than 50 percent by weight of carbonaceous material formed from compaction and indurations of variously altered plant remains similar to those in peat.
Prof. Ikebudu noted that when coal was discovered in Enugu the British built the mines, they exported the coal to their country, and built an overhead belt conveyor carrying coal to Oji River Power Station and supplying electricity to the Eastern region.
In Solutions to the Dilemma of Coal Technology and Sustainable Coal Development in Nigeria, the Professor of Mechanical Engineering Kingsley Ikechukwu Ikebudu recommended the following:
1. Government Commitment to Policy Reform
2. Development of clean Coal Technology
3. Investment in the coal industry
4. Investment in Research and Development
5. Public Private Partnership
6. Sustainable Mining Practices.
In his concluding remarks, he noted that Nigeria’s dilemma with coal technology is complex and multifaceted, with significant technical, Political and economic challenges hindering it’s full potential. However with proper investment, policy support and technological innovation coal can become a critical component of Nigeria’s energy techniques by addressing the barriers to coal development and adopting the cleaner technology.
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