Niger turns to solar power amid sanctions
Niger has initiated the operation of its mega solar power plant, mitigating the power shortages brought about by Nigeria’s exit from its power sector.
Image for illustration purposes.
Niger, Niamey: Niger has initiated the operation of its mega solar power plant, mitigating the power shortages brought about by Nigeria’s exit from its power sector.
Following the July coup in Niger that deposed previous President Mohamed Bazoum, a fellow West African country, Nigeria responded by suspending energy exports to the country. This is a significant issue as Nigeria supplied 70% of Niger’s electricity prior to the coup. According to a recent BBC report, Niger has since then experienced cascading power outages. The country has responded by focusing on the solar project it had initiated a few years back.
The BBC’s reported that the 30 MW plant, built by a French consortium, was initiated in 2018 and inaugurated on 5 July this year. It was also reported that French relations with the Nigerien junta have soured since the coup, and that the plant has over 55,000 solar panels.
It was supposed to launch in August, once Niger was able to connect it to the national grid, but the coup delayed its initiation. According to the country’s Energy Minister, Mahaman Moustapha Barke, Niger’s power supply has dramatically improved since the launch of the solar plant, especially in the country’s capital Niamey and some other towns.
The project was also acknowledged by the French Embassy in Mali, as it recognized the solar power’s launch but warned of operational risks. Niger’s energy minister said that the technical staff that stayed behind enabled the completion of the power plant.
Source: Business Insider Africa