By Thompson ABISOLA
The Federal Government said on Thursday that it was working towards generating more energy through geothermal sources, to enhance Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
The Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Mr Abubakar Bwari, said this in Abuja at a High Level Presentation on Geothermal Energy Resource, an energy source derived from hydrological resources.
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“I am particularly glad that we are here to witness scientists discussing one subject that has huge bearing with the immediate well-being of our people and the need to provide cheaper, cleaner and more electricity to Nigerians.
“The whole aim of government is to provide enabling environment for enterprise to thrive and for ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens.
“But this is not possible until we’ve given them adequate electricity.
“As the Federal Government continues to pursue vigorously the traditional means of combining power, we must also, add the untapped potential geothermal energy, as well as similar cutting-edge scientific resources.
“So far, the deregulation of the power sector has created room for the diversification of our energy mix, away from just hydro-power to fossil fuels and other reliable resources as well.”
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The minister said the new energy generation would be done in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.
“The ministry is also interfacing with the Nigerian Atomic Energy Agency to advance the safe use of nuclear energy and we are proud to add value to digress the energy deficit in the country.
“We will also strengthen collaborations with the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in the supply of energy,” he said.
Bwari expressed the willingness of government to support the shift, while sourcing for other components used in improving energy.
