What is the institutional arrangement of Niger electricity sector?

The institutional arrangement of Niger electricity sector is depicted in figure 4. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum is responsible for policy development and the Multisectoral Regulatory Authority is the independent regulator.

What is Niger's energy system?

As shown in figure 2, the most strik-ing feature of Niger’s energy system is the dominance of biomass. This represents 79% of total consumption and meets 83% of household energy needs. Biomass in the form of fuelwood, charcoal and agricultural residues is used in inefficient cooking appli-ances.

What is the energy sector like in Niger?

Like in most countries in the region, the energy sector in Niger is characterised by parallel energy systems, the traditional and the modernised. Both face intrinsic chal-lenges, which cross all sectors and affect the whole population. Current biomass use in Niger has major health implications, especially for women.

Is energy access a Criti-Cal barrier to development in Niger?

Energy access in Niger remains a criti-cal barrier to the country’s development. Modest improvements have been experi-enced in recent years. However, electricity access in Niger remains low at about 24% and almost all the population relies on the unsustainable use of traditional biomass (MP/AT-DC, 2011).

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-

How can Niger improve energy access?

Broadening energy access is a central national development objective in Niger. At present, less than 25% of the population enjoys access to electricity, and the picture in rural areas is bleaker, at less than 5% electricity access. Generation of electricity through renewables has long been viewed as an important way to close this gap.