Could Europe Face an Energy Crisis if Niger Halts Uranium Mining for France?
Amidst the aftermath of the coup in Niger, questions loom over the future of uranium supply, a cornerstone of the nation's economy Niger, nestled in the Sahel region, possesses extensive underground uranium reserves, making it a vital player in the global uranium market
France, a former colonial power in Niger, faces a precarious situation A significant portion, approximately two-thirds, of France's electricity generation relies on nuclear power plants powered by uranium extracted from Niger Furthermore, France exports electricity to European nations that lack their own nuclear power facilities
With coup plotters holding sway in Niger for just over a month, concerns have surged regarding the uninterrupted flow of uranium to global markets The implications of any disruption in this supply chain are profound, given France's dependence on nuclear energy and its role as an electricity exporter to Europe
To shed light on this critical issue, DW has sought insights from experts both in Niger and Europe, delving into the intricate web of the energy supply chain