HANEA Reform for Sustainable Energy Development in Niger

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Council of Ministers of Niger was held under the chairmanship of His Excellency Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tiyani, Head of State and President of the National Council for the Defense of the Fatherland. During this meeting, several key issues were discussed, leading to important decisions for the development of the country.

One of the main points on the agenda was the adoption of a draft decree amending Decree No. 2013-490/PRN of 4 December 2013. This preliminary decree concerns the creation, attribution, organization and functioning of the Niger High Authority for Atomic Energy (HANEA).

HANEA was created in 2013 with the mission of promoting nuclear power as a tool for sustainable economic and social development. This involves the production of nuclear power and its integration into the national energy mix. Since its creation, HANEA has worked to establish a sound legal, regulatory and institutional foundation. Despite progress in human resources and infrastructure management, it seems necessary to amend the 2013 decree to enable HANEA to better fulfil its mission.

The reform aims to optimize HANEA’s capabilities so that it can effectively respond to Niger’s growing energy needs. The government intends to strengthen the contribution of nuclear power to the country’s economic and social development by adjusting HANEA’s regulatory and organizational framework, thereby ensuring that all Nigeriens have access to stable and sustainable energy.

The July 31 meeting marks an important milestone in Niger’s energy governance and demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernizing its institutions for a better future. The amendments to Decree No. 2013-490/PRN will allow HANEA to play a central role in the national energy strategy, adapted to contemporary and future challenges.

Boubacar Guédé (Nigerien expatriate)