Electricity in Madagascar in 2022

In Madagascar, the state of electricity consumption in 2022 is characterized by a fairly low level of generation, with almost 1.5 TWh being generated from fossil fuels and the majority of the energy still coming from non-clean sources. Given Madagascar's population size, this translates to less than 100 watts per person, which is significantly below the global average of 3606 watts/person. Such a low level of electricity consumption can have several adverse effects, including limited access to essential services, decreased productivity, and a slower pace of economic development. Without significant investment in clean and sustainable sources of electricity, it may be difficult for Madagascar to meet the growing demand from its population and businesses in a way that is both reliable and environmentally friendly.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar could look into harnessing the potential of solar and wind energy, as these sources are abundant and underutilized in the region. Lessons can be drawn from countries like India, which generates a substantial part of its electricity from solar and wind, producing 125 TWh and 92 TWh, respectively, and Brazil, with its successful implementation of 97 TWh from wind energy. Investing in nuclear energy is also a pathway that has proven successful in numerous countries such as France and South Korea, which have yielded significant power generation. By focusing on these clean energy types and implementing policies and technologies from these successful nations, Madagascar can significantly enhance its electricity generation capacity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Madagascar, predominantly from hydroelectric sources, shows a pattern of modest growth and fluctuations. Initially, in the early 1980s, there were some small increments with an increase of 0.1 TWh in 1981 and 1984. The development remained slow, with negligible changes for much of the 1990s and early 2000s. During the 2010s, hydroelectric generation experienced minor ups and downs, as seen with slight increases in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, but also faced notable declines in 2016 and 2017. This inconsistency in hydroelectric projects suggests that while Madagascar has tapped into its hydraulic resources over time, the island nation needs to stabilize and expand its low-carbon electricity infrastructure, perhaps by integrating more diverse energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear to ensure a more robust and reliable energy supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources