Will Niger develop a solar power plant?

DAKAR, May 11 (Reuters) - Savannah Energy (SAVES.L) has signed an agreement with the government of Niger on potential development of two photovoltaic solar power plants with combined generation capacity of up to 200 megawatts, the company said on Thursday.

Where is solar energy used in Niger?

Niamey and Zinder, located at lower latitudes, show less variability across the year, hence making them excellent locations for harnessing solar energy. There is a long history of solar energy use in Niger. This began in the mid-1960s when the Centre National d'Énergie Solaire (National Solar Energy Centre; CNES) was established.

How much solar energy is available in Nigeria?

Nigeria receives an average solar radiation of about 7.0kWh/m² (25.2MJ/m² per-day). The solar energy potential available in Niger State ranges between 3.5 kWh - 6.8 kWh with a mean value of 4.63 kWh. (Ndanusa et al., 2014)

Do solar PV systems work in Nigeria?

As for now, solar PV systems are applied to specific areas in Nigeria "merely to provide additional power or to provide backup power in moments of fluctuating power supply or power outage" [ 43 ]; these areas include telecom masts, street lights, and parks, etc.

Does Nigeria need a government push for solar energy?

Although the development of RE demands a government push, it also requires all sectors to be involved. Nigeria has shown short and long-term plans to utilize solar energy, but to make this target a reality, the recommendations listed will go a long way in curbing laxity.

Are there any off-grid solar energy systems in Niger?

There is considerable experience of off-grid PV electrification, water pumping and solar water heating systems in Niger. Each of these will be explored below. The main decentralised renewable energy system being promoted in Niger for rural electricity is solar PV.