In 2022, Niger's electricity consumption remains notably low. The country relies heavily on net imports, accounting for about 1.17 TWh of its electricity, with close to none generated locally. Such dependency highlights a significant reliance on external sources. Niger's per capita electricity consumption is dramatically low compared to the global average of 3606 watts per person. This low level of generation can impede economic growth, limit access to essential services, and adversely affect the overall quality of life due to the lack of reliable and sufficient electricity.
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Niger can look towards successful implementations in countries across the globe. China, generating a massive 950 TWh from wind and 653 TWh from solar, demonstrates the potential of large-scale renewable projects. Another suitable example is India's generation of 92 TWh from wind and 125 TWh from solar, which can serve as a model given the country's geographic and economic similarities. Moreover, with nuclear energy contributing significantly in countries like the United States (790 TWh), France (348 TWh), and Russia (214 TWh), Niger can explore nuclear energy as a viable and sustainable option for long-term energy security. Emulating these countries, Niger can develop a balanced mix of wind, solar, and nuclear energy to boost its electricity generation.
Historically, Niger has not made significant advancements in low-carbon electricity generation. Between 2005 and 2022, solar energy has consistently seen no change, yielding zero additions in electricity generation year-on-year. This lack of progress underscores an untapped potential for solar energy development. Although Niger's clean energy capacity has stagnated for over a decade, this period of inactivity offers an opportunity to revitalize and invest substantially in green technologies, ensuring future growth in electricity generation aligns with sustainable and low-carbon principles. By incorporating lessons from other nations and leveraging its natural resources, Niger can reshape its energy landscape in the coming years.