In a significant step toward advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, the European Union (EU) has expressed interest in collaborating with Geometric Power to drive sustainable power solutions. The potential partnership was discussed during the EU delegation’s visit to the Geometric Power plant in Aba, Abia State, on Thursday.
Leading the EU delegation, Mr. Bassimo Deluca, Head of Cooperation and Projects, emphasized the importance of renewable energy and expressed optimism about future collaboration.
“We hope to see a catalytic partnership between our team and Geometric Power, especially in the area of renewable energy, which is of great importance to us,” Mr. Deluca stated.
The EU delegation was accompanied by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who commended Geometric Power for its vital contributions to stable electricity supply within its ring-fenced distribution area.
“I am happy to see the good work Geometric Power is doing, particularly in supporting businesses that require uninterrupted power supply to thrive,” Governor Otti remarked.
State Government Pledges Support for Enhanced Metering
Also in attendance was the Abia State Commissioner for Power, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, who praised Aba Power for its commitment to reliable electricity distribution. He signaled potential state support for expanding metering infrastructure.
“We are looking forward to exploring how we can support Aba Power in metering, ensuring that more customers have access to prepaid meters,” said Engr. Monday.
Geometric Power Embraces Renewable Energy Future
Welcoming the delegation, Barr. Ugochukwu Opiegbe, Managing Director of Aba Power (representing Prof. Bart Nnaji, Chairman of Geometric Power Group), expressed gratitude for the state government’s role in securing a reliable gas supply for the Aba Integrated Power Project (Aba IPP). He also reiterated Geometric Power’s commitment to renewable energy.
“We are keen on diversifying our energy mix to include cleaner sources such as solar, biofuels, and other renewable alternatives in the near future,” Opiegbe said.
EU’s Visit Signals Confidence in Geometric Power’s Impact
The visit concluded with a tour of the Geometric Power plant, led by Engr. Ben Caven, Managing Director of Geometric Power Aba Limited (GPAL). The tour showcased the plant’s operational capacity and its impact on power distribution in the region.
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Aaron Uzodike, Chairman of the Abia State House Committee on Power, commended Governor Otti’s focus on infrastructure development and welcomed the EU’s interest in fostering progress within Abia State.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The high-profile visit drew notable figures from both the public and private sectors, including:
– Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, President of Aba Landlords Association and Abia Amalgamated Traders Association
– Kingsley Nwokocha, Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce
– Mr. Chijioke Chinedum, Director General, Abia State Public-Private Partnership and Investment Board
– Past and serving mayors of Aba
From the Geometric Power Group, key executives included:
– Ike Alozie, Chief Financial Officer
– Engr. Blessing Ogbe, Chief Operations Officer, APLE
– Engr. Abdullahi Omeh, Technical Adviser to the Chairman
A Milestone for Private-Sector-Led Energy Solutions
This engagement underscores Geometric Power’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s energy sector and highlights its potential to drive the country’s transition to renewable energy. It also reflects growing confidence in private-sector-led initiatives to address Nigeria’s power challenges.
As discussions progress, the proposed partnership between the EU and Geometric Power could pave the way for significant advancements in Nigeria’s renewable energy landscape, fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
