Savannah Energy has taken a significant step towards the development of 200MW of solar energy in Niger, after its subsidiary, Savannah Energy Niger Solar Limited, signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the country's government. The deal paves the way for the construction of two solar plants with a combined capacity of 200MW, which are expected to be located within 20km of the southern cities of Maradi and Zinder.
The project is set to be sanctioned in 2024, following feasibility studies, with the first power expected between 2025 and 2026. The facilities will be linked to Niger's electricity grid and connected to the Western electricity grid zone, which serves Niamey, as part of a World Bank-funded project.
Savannah Energy intends to fund the project through its own cashflows and specific project debt. The company is also developing the 250MW Parc Eolien de la Tarka wind farm in Niger, which is expected to begin construction next year. The two projects, if completed, could increase on-grid electricity supply in the country by more than 20%.
The agreement comes as part of Niger's strategy to expand its energy mix and improve electricity access for its citizens, in line with its National Strategy of Energy Access (SNAE) and National Policy Document on Electricity (DPNE). Minister of State for Energy and Renewable Energies, Ibrahim Yacoubou, said the two projects are a significant part of this strategy. Savannah Energy's Vice President West Africa, Yacine Wafy, was present at the signing ceremony in Niamey, along with British Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, Catherine Inglehearn.
Savannah Energy's CEO, Andrew Knott, said the solar projects are the kind of high developmental impact projects that the company's renewable energy division is seeking to deliver. The company is looking forward to working with the Nigerien government to advance the projects through their development and construction phases towards first power in 2025 to 2026.
