In Madagascar, the state of electricity consumption in 2022 presents a notable gap when compared to the global landscape. The country's total electricity consumption stands at 87 kWh per person, comprised of approximately 31 kWh per capita of low-carbon sources and about 1.71 TWh generated from fossil fuels. This is starkly low when juxtaposed with the global average of 3649 kWh per person, indicating that Madagascar consumes only a tiny fraction of what is typical worldwide. The overwhelming reliance on fossil fuels reflects a potential missed opportunity to harness more low-carbon energy options, with solar and other clean energy alternatives remaining largely untapped. The inadequate power generation can have several adverse effects, impeding economic growth, limiting access to modern amenities, and contributing less to global efforts against climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Madagascar?
Electricity growth in Madagascar appears stagnant rather than on the upward trajectory needed to fulfill future demand. The total electricity per person in 2022 was slightly less, dropping by one unit, from its previous record of 88 kWh per person set in 2019. Low-carbon electricity consumption has seen more decline, from a previous high of 38 kWh per person in 2015 to 31 kWh per person in the latest figures, representing a worrying decrease that underscores the challenges Madagascar faces in transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The lack of significant progress in electricity consumption growth may hamper both economic development and efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar can learn from other regions that have successfully integrated clean energy into their grids. A significant focus can be placed on solar energy, as demonstrated by regions like China, the United States, and India, which generate hundreds of terawatt-hours of solar power annually. Similarly, the adoption and potential expansion of nuclear energy, as seen in countries like France and states like Illinois, demonstrate a viable path for Madagascar. The vast solar potential of Madagascar, coupled with strategic investments and perhaps even lessons from nuclear power expansion, could provide the dual benefits of increasing energy security and reducing fossil fuel dependency, aligning with global trends in sustainable energy growth.
History
Historically, Madagascar's low-carbon electricity generation, primarily from hydro sources, saw sporadic increments with years like 1981, 1984, 1995, and others bringing slight increases, culminating in a long yet modest development stretch up to 2015. However, subtle declines in recent years, notably in 2016 and 2017, followed by zero growth in 2021 and 2022, signal an urgent need for renewed focus and investment in low-carbon solutions. An absence of solar growth further highlights the strategic gaps, particularly as solar technology is increasingly becoming both an accessible and cost-effective energy solution. Madagascar’s history of fluctuating yet limited progress in clean energy generation suggests an increasing need for commitment to more substantial and consistent advancements to meet both current and future demands.
