Nigeria’s Construction Giant Julius Berger Cuts Reliance on Diesel

Julius Berger Nigeria, the country’s biggest construction company, reduced its use of diesel for electricity by 19 percent last year as it ramped up its adoption of natural gas and embraced solar power. 

The Lagos-listed company has continued to rely heavily on diesel to power its operations as supply from the national grid remains unreliable. The fuel accounted for 60.53 percent of its energy consumption in 2024, down from 68 percent in the previous year, according to its sustainability report released on Monday.

“That year (2024), we recorded a 9% reduction in total energy consumption from 50,369 MWh in 2023 to 45,849 MWh. While part of this decline reflected the completion of major project phases, it also signals meaningful progress in our transition towards a more balanced energy mix,” it said. 

Julius Berger said it increased the adoption of cleaner, less diesel-dependent sources across key operations, “reinforcing our commitment to operational efficiency and a more sustainable energy future”. 

“The 2024 energy mix comprised 9,372 MWh from natural gas, 27,752 MWh from diesel, and 8,617 MWh from electricity, a noticeable shift from 2023, which had higher diesel consumption at 34,268 MWh,” it said. “Natural gas use remained relatively stable, while grid electricity consumption increased slightly due to expanded operational activities and improved metering.”

The company said it had deepened its commitment to low-carbon energy through the operationalisation of photovoltaic solar systems at its Idu yard in Abuja. 

“This milestone not only reduces our reliance on fossil fuels but also enables us to accurately quantify the share of renewable energy in our overall consumption, strengthening our transition to a more sustainable energy model,” it added. 

Greenville LNG commenced its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply to Julius Berger in November 2022. 

“At the company’s Utako facility, we have installed 3 MW gas generators that operate continuously, ensuring a reliable 24/7 power supply,” Greenville LNG Managing Director Ritu Sahajwalla said in the report. “We are also supplying LNG to the JBN-PHC Ogbunabali yard to fuel their asphalt plant. This marks a groundbreaking development in Nigeria, as it is the first operation of its kind, utilising LNG to run an asphalt plant.”