(Ecofin Agency) - In Nigeria, Sokoto Cement will build two power plants with a combined capacity of 60 MW. The plants, which will be completed mid-2017, will run on fossil fuels (most likely coal).

The infrastructures will be developed mainly to reduce the operating costs of the firm which has accumulated a load of debts over the past few months. They will also help it boost its production, significantly.

“The company has to at intermittent periods during the last quarter of 2015 shut down the plant due to scarcity and high cost of energy,” said Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chaiman of the company.

The two new plants will add to a 16 MW biomass plant that Sokoto already has.

Gwladys Johnson