Amid persistent power supply challenges in Nigeria’s industrial sector, Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited has taken a step toward energy independence by installing a 14.8-megawatt gas-fired power plant in partnership with Clarke Energy.

Led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Qian Jin, the ceramic manufacturer, long burdened by unreliable grid electricity and rising diesel costs, sought a more stable and cost-efficient energy alternative.

In a statement yesterday, Jin said the new gas facility now powers its operations, providing a consistent electricity supply critical to its production processes.

“Power supply has been a major issue. We’ve faced frequent outages from the national grid, which disrupt production schedules and increase costs,” the MD stated.

Said to have been built with technical support from Clarke Energy, the plant is based on INNIO Jenbacher gas engine technology.

According to Jin, the switch has resulted in lower energy costs, reduced downtime, and improved production efficiency.

“Unlike the unreliable national grid and the high cost of diesel, gas power plants provide a more stable and uninterrupted power supply, which is vital for our sensitive manufacturing equipment,” he said.

The shift, it was learnt, also supports the company’s efforts to cut emissions.

As a cleaner-burning fossil fuel, gas has enabled Royal Castle to lower its carbon footprint and align with environmental standards, he added.

The Managing Director of Clarke Energy for Sub-Saharan Africa, Yiannis Tsantilas, said the project reflects a growing trend among manufacturers seeking more reliable and sustainable energy sources.

“As the manufacturing sector embraces more reliable and environmentally sustainable power generation alternatives, it positions itself for long-term productivity and growth,” Tsantilas said.

The statement noted that since transitioning to gas, Royal Castle had reported significant cost savings, which are being reinvested in production capacity, product pricing, and market expansion efforts.

Jin maintained that the company’s competitiveness had improved both locally and internationally.

Despite energy gains, Royal Castle said it still grappled with familiar structural issues, from poor road networks to complex regulations and tough market competition.

Jin said these obstacles have not diminished the company’s confidence in Nigeria’s long-term market potential.

“Operating in Nigeria, however, still comes with its fair share of challenges. From inadequate transportation infrastructure to complex regulatory requirements and tough competition from both local and international brands, manufacturers like Royal Castle must continuously innovate to stay ahead.

“Nigeria offers a large and growing market for ceramic products, driven by urbanisation and infrastructure development,” he said.

 Jin emphasised that despite these obstacles, the Nigerian market remains one of immense potential.

To strengthen operations, he explained that the company sources raw materials like clay and silica locally and has secured long-term gas supply contracts with Nigerian producers.

These steps have helped ensure a steady flow of inputs while supporting the domestic supply chain.

With a stable power base now in place, Royal Castle said it is scaling operations and expanding into new markets across Africa. The company is also adapting its product designs for international consumers and participating in global trade fairs.

Jin explained in a statement, “For gas supply, the company relies on long-term contracts with local producers, ensuring a steady stream of fuel to keep its power plant running smoothly.

“The impact of the 14.8 MW gas plant is also evident in Royal Castle’s ability to scale its operations and reach new markets.

“At a time when many Nigerian manufacturers are shrinking operations or folding under the weight of energy costs, Royal Castle has cracked the power puzzle, positioning itself not just as a resilient player but as an energy-conscious, forward-thinking force in the ceramic industry. We didn’t wait for the grid; we built our own future, and that decision is powering our growth today.”

The PUNCH reports that Royal Castle has joined the list of companies dumping the national grid for self-generation.