Who financed a solar power plant in Niger?

The European Union, the French Development Bank and the government of Niger co-financed the installation. A French consortium made up of Akuo and Sagecom has finished building a 30 MW solar power plant in Gorou Banda, Niger. The Niger government had initially planned the project to have a capacity of 50 MW.

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.

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.

Will a 20 MW grid-connected solar PV system perform in Niger?

A financial analysis has been made as part of the pre-feasibility study of a 20 MW grid-connected solar PV system near Niamey under negotiation at pres-ent. It provides a concrete example of how grid-based systems are likely to perform under the resource and macroeconomic conditions prevalent in Niger.

How has solar technology been promoted in Niger?

Solar PV and other solar energy technologies continued to be promoted in Niger through various outlets, including the national school television programme. Solar technology installation also contin-ued, largely in PV pumping areas and through education and health infrastruc-ture electrification.

How can Niger balance its energy mix?

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.