Niger has initiated operations at its most extensive solar power facility, announced the energy minister on Sunday, aiming to counter electricity shortages resulting from neighboring Nigeria’s cutoff in supplies following a July coup.
Mahaman Moustapha Barke highlighted on television the positive impact on electricity services in the capital Niamey and the towns of Dosso and Tillaberi following the launch of the national power company Nigelec’s largest solar power plant.
Situated in the landlocked and predominantly desert West African nation, Niger benefits from abundant solar energy. The facility, equipped with over 55,000 solar panels, has a capacity to generate 30 megawatts of electricity.
Originally slated to commence operations on August 25, the plant’s start was postponed due to technical staff departures post-coup, shared Barke. However, the dedication of the remaining technicians in Niamey facilitated the successful start-up of the plant.
France’s embassy in Niger cautioned about operational risks due to the plant’s incomplete construction under the initial plan.
Costing around 20 billion CFA francs (approximately $33 million), funding primarily stemmed from a loan by the French development agency and an EU grant.
Niger faced widespread power outages after Nigeria, its primary supplier accounting for 70 percent of Nigelec’s electricity purchases, ceased deliveries as part of regional sanctions against the coup leaders, according to a 2022 report by Niger’s sole power provider.
To reduce energy dependence on Nigeria, Niger has also commenced construction on its first dam along the Niger River.
