Potential Role of Renewable Energy into Energy Mix to Overcome Energy Shortfall in Niger. Case of Sékoukou Village

Abstract

Energy access is closely linked to any development. The lack of access to energy is a major obstacle to the development and the improvement of living conditions for developing countries. The most West African developing countries are characterized by extreme poverty and energy insecurity, although their potential for renewable energy is considerable. The increase in the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix remains one of the main energy policy issues that the many stakeholders in developing countries like Niger are facing. This is often due to the lack of existing studies on the potential of its renewable energies. This work trays to identify the potential of renewable energy and the role it plays in the Niger’s national energy supply to overcome the energy deficit. During the study, the energy needs that were taken into account for households were mainly in electricity and cooking. The surveys were conducted on 60 households in Sekoukou's village with of nearly 70 households. This study has made possible to identify the potential renewable energy sources in the village of Sékoukou and the estimation of their potential. Sékoukou village has a big energy potential consists of four energy source: sun, wind, wood and green wastes. The solar potential already exploited allows to Sékoukou’s people to improve their living conditions. Indeed,the village does not have the forest (wood) potential, however a potential of argricultural and animal weste has been detected for biochar production. The integration of renewable energy in energy mix can accelerate the potential economic activity of Sékoukou