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In a context of energy transition, lithium has become critical to the development of low-carbon mobility. But lithium supply is a key issue. To date, lithium production is highly concentrated in three non-European countries: Australia, Chile and China, which also manufactures 79% of batteries.
Global demand for lithium has doubled over the last ten years. Driven by the transition to electric vehicles, global consumption of this metal is expected to increase 42-fold by 2040 compared with 2020 (International Energy Agency).
But lithium supply is a key issue. To date, lithium production is highly concentrated in three non-European countries: Australia, Chile and China, which also manufactures 79% of batteries. The current geopolitical crises show that it is risky to depend solely on foreign sources of supply for critical materials.
Yes, there is considerable experience of off-grid solar energy systems in Niger. These include off-grid PV electrification, water pumping, and solar water heating systems. The main decentralised renewable energy system promoted in Niger for rural electricity is solar PV.
Windy areas suitable for wind power generation are generally located in the northern part of the country. However, these tend to be sparsely populated. There are no grid-connected wind power generators in Niger.
Solar energy is well-suited for use in Niamey and Zinder, located at lower latitudes, as they show less variability in solar radiation throughout the year. Niger has a long history of solar energy use, which began in the mid-1960s with the establishment of the Centre National d'Énergie Solaire (National Solar Energy Centre; CNES).
This transformative project, funded by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), will enable Niger to better balance its energy mix, which is currently largely dominated by thermal energy. This initiative is particularly crucial for a country that frequently faces climatic shocks.
