Could Russia build a nuclear power plant in Niger?

Russia has dangled the possibility of building a nuclear power plant in uranium-rich Niger - a vast, arid state on the edge of the Sahara desert that has to import most of its electricity. It may be deemed impractical and may never happen, but the concept is yet another move by Moscow to seek a geopolitical advantage over Western nations.

Why is Niger building a refinery in Dosso?

This agreement was made on October 24, 2024, to improve energy independence in the Sahel region. Niger’s leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, has ordered the construction of the refinery to be in Dosso, which is located approximately 140 kilometres southeast of the capital, Niamey, near the borders with Benin and Nigeria.

Does Paris have a nuclear power supply with Niger?

Yet Paris did not share its nuclear energy knowhow with its loyal African supplier. Niger, meanwhile, has to rely largely on coal-fired generation and imports of electricity from Nigeria.

What is Niger's new refinery?

The new refinery will have a higher capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, however. The decision was made to reduce Niger’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products while creating new jobs in the energy sector. It was first announced in April 2024.

Did France really want a nuclear power plant in Niger?

Indeed, the French never seem to have felt the option was worth serious consideration. For while the refining of ore into yellowcake can be done in Niger, the subsequent conversion, enrichment and transformation into nuclear fuel was being carried out abroad, at Orano's plant at Cap de la Hague in Normandy.

How can Niger balance its energy mix?

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.