Electricity in Madagascar in 2022

In 2022, Madagascar's electricity consumption was predominately low, with close to none of its electricity being generated from fossil fuels, amounting to roughly 1.5 TWh. For context, this level of electricity production is significantly below the global average, which is around 3638 watts per person. Such low electricity generation can lead to several challenges, including limited industrial growth, restricted access to modern technology, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, which are all crucial for socioeconomic development. Additionally, low levels of electricity can perpetuate energy poverty and hinder educational opportunities, contributing to wider societal inequities.

Suggestions

Madagascar has an opportunity to significantly increase its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from other countries. Implementing strategies that harness the power of solar, wind, and nuclear energy could be transformative. For instance, India has been successful in scaling up both solar (128 TWh) and wind (91 TWh) energy, demonstrating that solar and wind are feasible options for nations with favorable climates and geographical conditions. Moreover, Brazil’s impressive use of wind energy (102 TWh) shows the potential of wind farms in regions with the right wind patterns. Additionally, adopting nuclear energy, as seen in countries like South Korea (178 TWh) and Canada (82 TWh), can provide a stable and reliable supply of electricity for Madagascar, ensuring energy security and a decreased reliance on fossil fuels.

History

Analyzing Madagascar's history of low-carbon electricity reveals a gradual growth in hydroelectric generation. During the early 1980s and late 1990s, the country made incremental increases with small but significant advancements in hydroelectric output, reflected in sporadic increments of 0.1 TWh annually during some years like 1981, 1984, 1995, and 1997. More recent years saw a mixed pattern, with slight declines during 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Despite past inconsistencies, Madagascar exhibited potential for green energy expansion with a 0.2 TWh increase in 2018. This history underscores a promising, albeit inconsistent, commitment to hydroelectric power. Moving forward, Madagascar can capitalize on its natural resources to harness other forms of clean energy, such as solar and wind, to boost its low-carbon electricity output significantly.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources