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.

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.

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.

Why are Niger stocks piled up?

Stocks first piled up after the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, imposed a trade blockade on Niger following the overthrow of Mohamed Bazoum, the country's civilian president, in July 2023. But even after sanctions were lifted the new military regime prevented Orano from resuming shipments.

Could a nuclear power plant be safe in the Sahel region?

There are also questions over whether a nuclear power plant could be safely built and protected in today's fragile and violent Sahel region. Jihadist armed groups control large areas of terrain in Mali and Burkina Faso, and parts of western Niger which makes the area highly insecure.