Electricity in Niger in 2022

In 2022, Niger's electricity consumption was marked by a stark contrast between low-carbon energy sources and fossil fuels. Fossil energy played a dominant role, as low-carbon sources contributed close to none of the country's electricity needs. The net imports stood at around 1.17 TWh, indicating that Niger heavily relied on external sources to meet its electricity demand. With such low domestic electricity generation, less than about 6 watts per person, Niger falls drastically short of the global average of approximately 3,606 watts per person, highlighting a significant electricity access gap. This limited generation capacity undoubtedly affects the quality of life, economic development, and industrial growth in the country, restricting its ability to progress sustainably and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Suggestions

To enhance its clean electricity generation, Niger can draw lessons from other countries. A pathway forward for Niger could include expanding its solar energy capacity, as demonstrated by prominent solar producers like India and China, generating around 125 TWh and 653 TWh respectively. The geographic and climatic similarities Niger shares with India provide a relevant example to emulate. Furthermore, incorporating wind energy could be valuable, taking cues from Brazil's wind capacity at nearly 97 TWh. While Niger does not yet utilize nuclear power, examining the nuclear experiences of other nations like Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, generating about 23 TWh and 32 TWh, could offer a roadmap for leveraging this robust and stable low-carbon energy source. Diversifying its energy sources toward clean energy not only would reduce dependency on fossil fuels but also promote sustainable development and energy security.

History

Historically, Niger has not seen growth in its low-carbon electricity sectors, particularly solar energy. From 2005 to 2022, the country's solar energy output remained stagnant with no recorded increases in generation. This prolonged period of inactivity signifies a missed opportunity to develop a clean and sustainable energy framework. While the challenges in establishing a robust solar infrastructure are understandable, given the lack of movement over the years, it's critical for Niger to adopt new strategies and technologies to break this pattern. Embracing advancements in solar and other low-carbon technologies can pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly electricity sector in the decades to come. This would not only help meet the growing energy needs but also enable Niger to play a greater role in combating climate change by reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources