Why is Niger a solar energy hub?

Niger was one of the first countries across the world to consider renewable energy technologies as a solution to its energy needs. This dates back to the 1960s, when Niger set up the Solar Energy Office (Office de l’Energie Solaire – ONERSOL), later renamed the National Solar Energy Centre (Centre National d'Énergie Solaire – CNES).

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.

Who financed a solar power plant in Niger?

The European Union, the French Development Bank and the government of Niger co-financed the installation. A French consortium made up of Akuo and Sagecom has finished building a 30 MW solar power plant in Gorou Banda, Niger. The Niger government had initially planned the project to have a capacity of 50 MW.

Is solar energy the new normal in Nigeria?

Solar Energy is fast becoming the new normal when it comes to an alternative source of power supply in Nigeria, and it rightly lives up to its claim of providing a constant source of power supply at an affordable price. Join me as I take you through an exciting unveiling of the top solar energy companies in Nigeria.

What is the history of solar energy use in Niger?

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. Previously known as the Office de l’Energie Solaire (Solar Energy Office; ONERSOL), it had been set up to under-

Could solar power a large swathe of Nigeria?

Given that Nigeria has tremendous solar energy potential as Africa’s largest economy, solar could reliably power large swathes of the country, if not the entire country.