Solar energy ria Niger

Is Niger Negotiating a PPA for a 20 MW solar plant?

The government of Niger is negotiating a PPA for a 20 MW solar plant with a French company. However, this project is facing opposition due to the proposed price of USD 0.165/kWh, which is significantly higher than imports from Nigeria but lower than the utility domestic generation costs.

Does Niger have enough energy resources?

The limited energy resource assessments already available show that Niger enjoys sufficient resources to make major progress in meeting energy access targets, especially solar and to some degree wind. Renewable energy options like solar and wind should feature prominently in the master plan.

Are there any off-grid solar energy systems in Niger?

There is considerable experience of off-grid PV electrification, water pumping and solar water heating systems in Niger. Each of these will be explored below. The main decentralised renewable energy system being promoted in Niger for rural electricity is solar PV.

How can Niger improve energy access?

Broadening energy access is a central national development objective in Niger. At present, less than 25% of the population enjoys access to electricity, and the picture in rural areas is bleaker, at less than 5% electricity access. Generation of electricity through renewables has long been viewed as an important way to close this gap.

Where is solar energy used in Niger?

Niamey and Zinder, located at lower latitudes, show less variability across the year, hence making them excellent locations for harnessing solar energy. There is a long history of solar energy use in Niger. This began in the mid-1960s when the Centre National d'Énergie Solaire (National Solar Energy Centre; CNES) was established.

How much solar radiation does Niger have?

Niger enjoys high solar radiation conditions in all eight of its regions. Average solar radi-ation is 5-7 kWh/m2 per day (figure 9), and there are seven to ten hours of sunshine per day on average. April to August is the period of high insolation, when the diurnal variation between minimum and maximum radiation values is small.