The 'Energy Mix' in Niger

The context for Niger's 'energy mix' is one of low consumption; Niger has one of the lowest primary energy consumption rates in the world. As of 2008, Niger's energy consumption stood at a yearly consumption of 1.2 million British Thermal Units (Btu) per capita, compared to an average of 16.6 million Btu per capita on the African continent and a global average of 73.6 million Btu per capita.

In 2009 Nigerien think-tank Cri de Cigogne reported that biomass (wood and agricultural-based fuels) were the dominant source of fuel in Niger, accounting for 93 percent of primary energy consumption. Oil, gas and 'other' fuels accounted for only seven percent of consumption.

In 2012 the Soraz Oil Refinery was expected to produce 44,200 tonnes of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which would easily meet the 2011 domestic consumption levels of 3000 tonnes of LPG. The Minister of Energy and Petroleum said discussions are underway on a major project to promote the use of domestic gas; it was hoped that this might help reduce the usage of wood as an energy source in Niger.

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