This transformative project, funded by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), will enable Niger to better balance its energy mix, which is currently largely dominated by thermal energy. This initiative is particularly crucial for a country that frequently faces climatic shocks.
Despite this rich potential, access to energy is still a challenge for the authorities. Final energy consumption in Niger is estimated at 0.15 toe per capita, one of the lowest in the world. The weakness of this value is mainly due to limited access of Niger’s households to modern energy.
Renewable energy here is the sum of hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, modern biomass and wave and tidal energy. Traditional biomass – the burning of charcoal, crop waste, and other organic matter – is not included. This can be an important energy source in lower-income settings. Niger: How much of the country’s energy comes from nuclear power?
Mineral coal reserves located in northern Niger are over 90 million tons. Around 70 million tons are in Salkadamna, in the Tahoua region. A project for their development should start soon, for the production of electricity and coal briquettes for cooking energy.
Availability of electricity allows people both urban and rural to increase their income and improve their living conditions through developing income generating activities. The current authorities of Niger understand that energy is the basis of any change that leads to development.
Proposed construction of three hydroelectric power plants of 130 MW, 122 MW and 26 MW on the River Niger and its tributaries. The first project of 130 MW began to be realized, with financial support of the ADB and WB, before it was cancelled due to technical failure of the company in charge of the work. It is about to be revived.