Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited has successfully commissioned a 14.8-megawatt gas-fired power plant to power its operations, reducing its dependence on the unstable national grid.
The project, executed in partnership with UK-based Clarke Energy, marks a bold shift toward energy autonomy for manufacturers struggling with erratic supply, rising energy bills, and frequent blackouts. The gas plant, built with cutting-edge INNIO Jenbacher gas engine technology, now provides uninterrupted electricity to Royal Castle’s expansive ceramic production facility.
Speaking at the launch of the plant, the company’s Managing Director and CEO, Qian Jin, described the development as a game-changer for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
“For years, we’ve suffered the consequences of grid unreliability—frequent blackouts, production delays, and high diesel expenses. With this gas plant, we’ve reclaimed control over our energy future,” Jin said.
The 14.8MW capacity places Royal Castle among the largest self-generating manufacturing firms in Nigeria, joining the ranks of companies like BUA Group, Dangote Industries, and Flour Mills, who have similarly invested in embedded power systems.
According to Jin, the decision to go gas was motivated by the need for energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. Unlike diesel generators, gas power provides a cleaner, more stable fuel source that aligns with global emissions standards.
“Switching to gas has helped us cut operational costs by over 30%, improve equipment performance, and reduce our carbon footprint,” he added.
The gas project was facilitated by Clarke Energy, a global leader in distributed power solutions, which brought in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) expertise. Clarke Energy’s Sub-Saharan Africa Managing Director, Yiannis Tsantilas, noted that the Royal Castle partnership is part of a growing trend of industrial gas adoption across Africa.
“Industries are realising the need for reliable and environmentally responsible energy solutions. This project is a model for energy transition in Nigeria’s industrial landscape,” Tsantilas remarked.
Royal Castle also secured long-term gas supply agreements with Nigerian producers, ensuring continuous operation. Additionally, the company sources raw materials like clay and silica locally, boosting the local economy and supporting domestic value chains.
Despite this energy breakthrough, Royal Castle faces other operational hurdles, including poor road infrastructure, regulatory red tape, and intense competition. However, Jin remains confident in Nigeria’s market potential.
“The demand for ceramics is rising with urbanisation and real estate growth. Nigeria is a strategic market, and with stable power, we’re well-positioned to lead not only locally but across West Africa.”
The company has begun expanding its market footprint across the continent, adapting its designs for export, and participating in major international trade exhibitions. This internationalisation push comes as the business reports a 20% increase in production capacity since transitioning to gas.
Royal Castle’s move away from the national grid highlights a broader industrial trend in Nigeria, where manufacturers increasingly turn to embedded generation and gas-to-power projects to maintain competitiveness.
Industry analysts say this shift could signal the beginning of a distributed energy revolution in Nigeria, reducing pressure on the national grid and stimulating industrial growth.
“At a time when many firms are downsizing due to energy costs, we are expanding. We chose not to wait for the grid to improve—we built our own future,” Jin said.
With this 14.8MW plant now fully operational, Royal Castle stands as a compelling case study for energy resilience and innovation in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.