Niger Photovoltaic Solar Water Pump Project

Solar-powered irrigation pumps and other appliances have demonstrated their power to transform Niger by increasing crop yields and production. “Previously, I irrigated only a tiny plot using diesel water pumps,” says Alzouma. “With solar irrigation, we now grow fruit trees, onions, tomatoes, and moringa.

The World Bank-funded Niger Solar Electricity Access Project enables farmers to buy pumps. Based on its success, a broader $800-million solar energy project - Niger Accelerating Electricity Access (HASKÉ) - will integrate grid power, mini-grids, and off-grid solutions for electricity and clean cooking.

The solar-powered water pumping system enables Alzouma to rotate crops on his farm in Finaré, Niger. Photo credit: ICM Niger. Based on its success, a broader $800-million solar energy project - Niger Accelerating Electricity Access (HASKÉ) - will integrate grid power, mini-grids, and off-grid solutions for electricity and clean cooking.

A financial analysis has been made as part of the pre-feasibility study of a 20 MW grid-connected solar PV system near Niamey, which provides a concrete example of how grid-based systems are likely to perform under the resource and macroeconomic conditions prevalent in Niger.

Four solar pump companies accounting for half of all pump sales in Niger have tapped into the credit line, bringing 800 solar pumps to Niger's farms since 2017. NESAP has loaned more than $1.5 million to solar system importers, wholesalers, retailers, installers, and solar electricity service providers.

The government of Niger is negotiating a PPA for a 20 MW solar plant with a French company. However, this project is facing opposition due to the proposed price of USD 0.165/kWh, which is significantly higher than imports from Nigeria but lower than the utility domestic generation costs.