Madagascar’s state of electricity consumption is relatively low compared to global standards. Fossil fuels contribute 1.71 TWh to Madagascar's energy mix, while the rest comes from low-carbon sources such as hydro and solar. However, when individual consumption is considered, it becomes clear that electricity access is limited, with the average usage at just 87 kWh per person per year, a stark contrast to the global average of 3781 kWh per person. This low level of electricity generation can significantly hinder economic growth and development, limit access to technology, and pose challenges in education and healthcare sectors which increasingly rely on consistent and reliable power supply.
Is Electricity Growing in Madagascar?
The data from recent years indicate that electricity production in Madagascar is stagnating, rather than expanding. The latest numbers from 2022, showing electricity consumption at 87 kWh per person, slightly declined from the previous record in 2019 of 88 kWh per person. This trend extends to low-carbon electricity generation which stands at 31 kWh per person, down from a peak of 38 kWh per person in 2015. These numbers underscore a concerning lack of growth in an area crucial for sustainable development. Without significant increases in both total and low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar risks falling further behind global advancements.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar could look to successful strategies employed by other regions. For instance, China has demonstrated the potential of both solar and wind energy, producing 834 TWh and 992 TWh respectively. The emphasis on nuclear power is also evident in countries like the United States, which generated 782 TWh from nuclear energy alone. Even countries with emerging economies, such as India and Brazil, have effectively harnessed solar and wind energy, respectively producing 134 TWh and 108 TWh. Madagascar could particularly benefit from developing solar and nuclear power, considering the global trends showing these as key drivers of sustainable electricity growth.
History
Looking at the historical trends in low-carbon electricity in Madagascar, it is evident that the country has experienced occasional growth in hydroelectric generation, with intermittent increases noted in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Specifically, between 1981 and 2015, there were several moments of growth, such as an increase of 0.1 TWh in the early and mid-1980s, as well as around 2012 to 2015. However, the recent years have seen some stagnation and even slight declines, as is evident from the data in 2022, when both hydro and solar displayed no growth. It is critical for Madagascar to reverse these trends and focus on expanding its low-carbon electricity capacity to better align with global efforts towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.