Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 13, Agricon West Africa Limited has transitioned from the national electricity grid to a gas-powered energy system to enhance rice production efficiency and lower operational costs. The company announced the move in a statement on Sunday, highlighting it as a major step toward supporting Nigeria’s food security and achieving sustainable growth in local agriculture.

Founded in 2022, Agricon entered Nigeria’s rice value chain with the objective of processing locally grown rice at scale and reducing reliance on imports. However, the company faced challenges caused by an unstable power supply and high operating expenses. Plant Manager Emmanuel Njin said: “Running diesel generators was a huge financial burden, responsible for a larger running cost with less output.”

Initially dependent on diesel fuel, the company struggled with rising fuel prices and inconsistent power supply that hindered production capacity. To address these challenges, Agricon’s management adopted compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more reliable energy alternative. The transition became possible through the installation of a 1.5-megawatt Jenbacher gas-powered plant supplied and maintained by Clarke Energy, the authorised distributor of Jenbacher engines in Nigeria.

Njin stated that the switch to gas significantly improved operational efficiency: “Compared to diesel, the gas-powered generator cut fuel consumption by half while delivering better and more reliable performance. The emission of filtered and clean exhaust gases is another advantage.” He added that the company has reduced its energy costs by between 60 and 65 percent while ensuring consistent production and stable power supply. “Clarke Energy services have been excellent. They’ve been responsive before, during, and after maintenance. The solution has freed us from the instability of the national grid while providing a sustainable and cost-effective energy lifeline,” he said.

For Clarke Energy, the project represents a contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s food and energy resilience. Yiannis Tsantilas, Managing Director of Clarke Energy for Sub-Saharan Africa, stated: “Food is a fundamental human necessity, essential not only for survival and well-being but also a cornerstone of national security.” He commended Agricon’s decision to invest in gas-based generation, describing it as a forward-looking move that supports both sustainable energy use and agricultural development. “Their investment in a 1.5 MW power plant is a testament to visionary leadership and commitment to sustainable growth. We are proud to partner with Agricon to help scale their operations and ensure their lights are always on,” Tsantilas said.

He further emphasized that reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy is essential for building a sustainable industrial economy. The company’s shift to gas has strengthened its ability to expand production, access new markets, and enhance competitiveness. The statement concluded that Nigeria continues to face energy supply challenges, but companies like Agricon demonstrate that alternative solutions can reduce costs and promote sustainable industrialization through innovative use of natural gas technology.