The Haute Autorité Nigérienne à l'Energie Atomique (HANEA) in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is organizing a national workshop in Niamey from September 28 to October 1, 2026. The workshop aims to identify robust, balanced, and sustainable solutions for implementing Niger's nuclear power program. Dr. Mindaoudou Souley Zeinabou, president of HANEA, presided over the opening ceremony.
The workshop will analyze different approaches to contract negotiations, examine international best practices, and draw lessons from experiences in other countries, including Turkey and Uzbekistan. Participants will evaluate the relevance of these approaches for Niger's context and identify effective mechanisms to achieve national strategic objectives. The main goal of Niger's nuclear power program is to construct a nuclear power plant with two 1,000 MW reactors.
The nuclear power plant will ensure a secure and sustainable energy supply, contributing to Niger's energy sovereignty and regional development. Dr. Mindaoudou Souley Zeinabou stated that nuclear power production will promote the valorization of Niger's resources, create qualified jobs, modernize infrastructure, and drive socio-economic development. The president of HANEA also highlighted the importance of the "Milestone" approach, a framework for countries introducing nuclear power into their energy mix.
The "Milestone" approach, adopted by the Nigerien government, consists of three phases with 19 key areas. This framework allows countries to prepare the necessary infrastructure, institutions, and conditions for a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear power program. Dr. Mindaoudou Souley Zeinabou reported significant progress in implementing the program, including finalizing and validating the first phase, publishing the program's white book, and establishing a national institutional, legislative, and regulatory framework.
The HANEA president also noted that cooperation with the IAEA has been instrumental in achieving these accomplishments, providing expertise, evaluation missions, training, and technical support. The agency's assistance has enabled Niger to benefit from the experiences of other countries, including Turkey and Uzbekistan. Experts from these countries will share their knowledge and experiences with Nigerien experts during the workshop.
The representative of the IAEA, Mme Stephanie Seely, expressed her satisfaction at participating in the workshop, highlighting the opportunity for knowledge sharing and addressing questions. The workshop will provide a platform for participants to engage in discussions and explore solutions for Niger's nuclear power program. The event is expected to foster collaboration and expertise sharing among participants.
Key outcomes of the workshop are expected to inform Niger's nuclear power program, particularly in the areas of contract negotiations and procurement. The program aims to ensure that Niger's nuclear power plant is developed and operated safely, securely, and sustainably. The workshop is a significant step towards achieving these objectives, with implications for Niger's energy future and regional development.
Key points
- Niger's Haute Autorité Nigérienne à l'Energie Atomique (HANEA) and the IAEA are collaborating to host a national workshop on contract negotiations for a new nuclear power plant.
- The workshop aims to identify effective mechanisms for implementing Niger's nuclear power program, drawing on international best practices and experiences from other countries.
- The nuclear power plant is expected to contribute to Niger's energy sovereignty, regional development, and socio-economic growth.
