How can Niger improve energy access?

Broadening energy access is a central national development objective in Niger. At present, less than 25% of the population enjoys access to electricity, and the picture in rural areas is bleaker, at less than 5% electricity access. Generation of electricity through renewables has long been viewed as an important way to close this gap.

Does Niger need electricity?

Access to electricity remains a challenge in Niger and the country is reliant on electricity imports for a significant share of its supply. The country is an oil resource centre and it is one of the ten-largest uranium resource-holders in the world.

Does Niger have enough energy resources?

The limited energy resource assessments already available show that Niger enjoys sufficient resources to make major progress in meeting energy access targets, especially solar and to some degree wind. Renewable energy options like solar and wind should feature prominently in the master plan.

What is the energy balance in Niger?

The energy balance in dominated by biomass, which represents 79% of total energy consumption and meets 83% of household energy needs, followed by petroleum products (18%) and mineral coal for electricity generation (3%). Renewables other than biomass remain negligible at less than 1%. The energy sector in Niger is at a critical crossroads.

What is Niger's energy system?

As shown in figure 2, the most strik-ing feature of Niger’s energy system is the dominance of biomass. This represents 79% of total consumption and meets 83% of household energy needs. Biomass in the form of fuelwood, charcoal and agricultural residues is used in inefficient cooking appli-ances.

What percentage of Niger's energy supply is renewable?

Mineral coal for electricity generation accounts for the remaining balance at 3% of total energy supplies in Niger. The share of renewables as a proportion of TPES remains negligible at less than 1%, assuming that all biomass is non-renewable - which is not the case.