The project will consist of a 13 MW solar facility, three 2 MW diesel power generators, and a 5 MWh storage system. Niger has only recently resorted to solar as an energy source. Image: Flickr/SIM USA The French Development Agency (AFD) has issued a tender for the construction of a 22 MW solar-diesel hybrid power plant near Agades, the largest city in central Niger. The project will consist of a 13 MW PV power plant, three 2 MW diesel power stations, a 5 MWh storage system, a 20kV substation and two 20kV lines with a length of around 3 km. The facility will be connected to the local power grid and will sell electricity to Niger’s state-owned power utility, Nigelec. Interested developers must submit their bids by February 28, 2018. If implemented, the project would be the country’s first MW-sized ground-mounted PV plant, with Niger only recently resorting to solar as an energy source. To date, the government has just supported off-grid initiatives, the most important of which is the Niger Solar Electricity Access Project (NESPA), a World Bank program aimed at bringing solar power to rural communities. Access to power is currently below 1% in Niger’s rural areas, while in urban areas it ranges between 20% and 40% in smaller cities, and around 50% in Niamey, the capital city. In 2016, the country’s peak demand reached only 260 MW, although its population was estimated at 20.7 million. Emiliano joined pv magazine in March 2017. He has been reporting on solar and renewable energy since 2009. More articles from Emiliano Bellini
The Agence Française de Development ( AFD ) has released a tender for a mixed - energy 22 MW plant near Niger 's largest city , Agades . The scheme comprises a 1 MW solar power plant - the country 's first - ever solar - mounted facility - a 5 MW storage system , three 1 MW diesel generators , a 220 kV substation and two 3 km , 220 kV power lines . The electricity produced by the plant will be sold to state - owned utility Nigelec .