The Niger Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES) 2022-2026 aims for a proportion of at least 15% solar in the energy mix and access to electricity for more than 1/3 of Nigeriens by 2026

It is in this sense that major initiatives are underway to reduce the country’s energy dependence vis-à-vis the outside world and further secure its electrical energy supplies.

These projects being carried out throughout the national territory, we note, encompass all segments, namely Production, Transport and Distribution through the extensions and reinforcements of the electricity networks of cities already electrified as well as rural electrification.

These include the construction of a 30MW solar power plant in Gorou Banda (Niamey), the inauguration of which is scheduled for April 2023, the ongoing construction of the 25 MW solar-diesel hybrid power plant in Agadez, the The inauguration will take place before the end of 2023.

We can also mention the work in progress for the hybridization of power plants located in large isolated localities of the country, namely Bilma, Dirkou, Iferouāne, Ingall, Timia, Fachi, Tillia, Telemcess, Ayawane, Banibangou, Dingazi, Tarbiat. The Iférouane unit was inaugurated on 1^is last December.

Hybridization, we note, is a great operation that allows the localities concerned to switch from a 12-hour electricity supply per day to a 24-hour service. It is combined everywhere with extensions of the distribution network to connect new subscribers and ensure a coverage rate of at least 75% of the locality.

The construction of solar power plants of 20MW in Maradi, 10MW in Dosso and 10MW hybrid in Diffa, whose financing has just been granted by the AfDB, as part of the RANAA project at a cost of 98 billion FCFA with 750,000 beneficiaries.

The construction of the 330 kV Nigeria-Niger-Burkina-Benin interconnection line, the commissioning of which is expected in 2024, as well as the extensions of the networks in all the localities already electrified and the important Rural Electrification component are also among the current actions.

It should also be noted that two power stations are already operational, namely the Goudel 89MW diesel power station in Niamey, which has since contributed to covering 30% of the capital’s electrical energy demand, and that of Zinder, with a power of 22MW. with a coverage rate of 125%, built by the Mauritanian company ISTITHMAR WEST AFRICA (IWA), with its Turkish partner WINENERJI.

According to the communication manager of the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, Tari Bako Nadia, efforts are being made to develop Niger’s energy production capacities. Also, she said, “we are in the process of involving the private sector in the approach to developing our national energy resources to develop independent production projects”.

“This year we intend to entrust the construction and operation of the 50 MW solar power plant of Gorou Banda II (Niamey) to an independent producer, whose selection process is currently underway with the support of the World Bank through the “Scaling Solar” program, announced the communication manager.

Source: https://time.news/niger-projects-80-electricity-access-rate-by-2035-ministry/