Powergas woos manufacturers on migration to alternative energy

To address the deficit in power supply and reduce the operating cost of manufacturers in the South-East region, Powergas Nigeria has urged local producers to embrace commercially viable alternative solutions by deploying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to run their operations.

The Director of Sales, Powergas Nigeria, Sumeet Singh stated that manufacturers need to migrate from the use of imported diesel fuel to domestically available Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel, which is more cost-efficient and safer to handle.

According to him, the continuous drop in energy supply to industrial clusters, alongside the cost profile of using diesel should make local producers explore alternative sources of energy.

Speaking during the exclusive business forum organised for Chief Executive Officers of firms under the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi branches, Singh said: “It would be difficult to put an exact figure to the loss incurred daily by manufacturers. Energy is the driving force of any economy; economies do not grow as expected when there is an immense shortfall in the supply of energy.

“This is why manufacturers in Nigeria need to embrace the use of natural gas which is not only a cleaner fuel but more efficient and profitable for production requirements.

“Powergas provides a complete solution across the gas-based energy value chain. Before now, most CNG users had to depend on pipeline gas for supply and when there is none, the production process is affected due to using diesel fuel or relying on our national grid.

“To tackle this and guarantee an uninterrupted supply flow, we now have virtual gas pipelines as well as gas plants next to the existing gas field for consistent, easy and quick access to quality gas by our customers.”

Speaking further on the need for manufacturers to switch to gas for power generation, Sumeet said that natural gas, apart from being more economically efficient, is also a clean fuel, adding that it puts a stop to financial loss experienced by manufacturers due to the high costs of polluting the environment, high cost of maintaining generators as well as high cost of the diesel fuel itself.

According to him, the cost-saving measures will enhance the survival and growth of industries and the economy.

Branch Chairman, MAN Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi State Branch, Anietom ChuziIgweobistated that the forum was an avenue to dialogue and network on ways of getting alternative power for manufacturers.

“It is no secret that the South Western region has access to alternative sources of power such as piped natural gas. Tapping into this resource enables us to compete more favorably in the market, as well as gives us a choice between national grid electricity and natural gas. Gas is more reliable which then becomes a cheaper energy mix for factories”, he added.