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.

What is the energy potential of Niger?

Niger has significant energy potential, rich and varied, that is weakly exploited. It consists of biomass (firewood and agricultural residues, the main source used by households for cooking), uranium, mineral coal, oil, natural gas, hydroelectricity and solar energy.

How much energy does Niger use?

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. Indeed, over 90% of Niger’s households use wood as fuel for cooking. Access to modern cooking fuels and other modern energy is still very limited.

Why is access to energy a problem in Niger?

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.

Why is electricity important in Niger?

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.

Is electricity a state monopoly in Niger?

Indeed, although the transportation segment and distribution of electric energy remains a state monopoly in Niger, the Law 2003-004 of 31 January 2003 and the Electricity Code liberalized the segment of production in article 31 and allows development of independent production.