IFC to help finance 50 MW of PV in Niger under Scaling Solar

The International Finance Corp (IFC) will partner with the government of Niger to back the construction of up to 50 MW of grid-connected solar parks in the landlocked West African country.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, said in a statement on Monday that the project will be financed under the Scaling Solar programme, which supports grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) power in emerging markets.

The proposed capacity is equal to roughly 20% of the country’s current installed PV capacity. It will generate electricity for homes, schools, businesses and hospitals and contribute to improving the low access to electricity.

The collaboration between the IFC and its sister organisations and the government of Niger and domestic utility Societe Nigerienne d'Electricite (NIGELEC) will seek to attract private sector partners to develop, tender and finance utility-scale solar projects, the IFC said.

"Niger aims to increase its installed power capacity to support its economic growth and improve access to electricity for its population. To achieve this goal, the use of solar energy will be critical," said Mahamane Sani Mahamadou, Niger’s minister of petroleum, energy and renewable energy.

The African nation has set a goal of sourcing 30% of its total power from sustainable sources by 2035.

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