A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by the government of Niger with the British independent energy company Savannah Energy Plc to develop up to 200 MW of solar installations there. The agreement relates to two photovoltaic (PV) plans in southern Niger, close to the Nigerian border and less than 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Maradi and Zinder. Each plant will range in size from 50 MW to 100 MW, with a maximum capacity of 200 MW.
The feasibility studies should be finished within the next 12 months, and Savannah Energy hopes to obtain all necessary approvals by 2024.
The grid might receive its first power injection between 2025 and 2026. The initiatives will be carried out by Savannah Energy Niger Solar Ltd, a local affiliate of the British company, which will finance them using internal funds and loans. Once operational, the two PV farms will provide 20% more grid-connected power in the landlocked nation, reducing annual CO2 emissions by up to 260,000 tonnes.
A contract was reached between Savannah Energy and the Nigerian government last year to establish a 250 MW wind farm, which is scheduled to start construction in 2019.