Niger: The new photovoltaic power plant is now operational
Since Nigeria stopped supplying electricity to Niger, causing shortages, the Nigerien Electricity Company (Nigelec) has commissioned a photovoltaic power plant to compensate for the shortfall. Initiated in 2018 with an investment of 20 billion CFA francs, this project is a result of collaboration between Niger and the European Union.
With a capacity of 30 MWp (megawatts-peak) powered by 55.776 solar panels, the plant will provide electricity to nearly 500.000 residents of Niamey, Tillabéri, and Dosso. Former President Mohamed Bazoum and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, inaugurated this sustainable energy source on July 5th, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Niger.
Despite Niger being classified as one of the least developed countries by the UN, with approximately 75% of its population living below the poverty line and less than 15% having access to electricity, the country has made significant progress in electrification in recent years. The country’s electricity sector, which relies on imports for 75% of its needs, is among the three sub-Saharan countries where electricity sector revenues cover production costs.
Furthermore, the sector receives substantial support from international banking institutions, and its legislative and regulatory environment has recently seen significant improvements. Niger and the World Bank have launched a major electrification program aimed at increasing the national electricity access rate to 30% by 2026.
Ly Assana
