Electricity in Madagascar in 2022

In 2022, Madagascar's electricity consumption comprised a mix of sources with a significant reliance on fossil fuels. The fossil-based electricity generation amounted to roughly 1.5 terawatt-hours (TWh), which represented the overwhelming majority of total electricity generation in the country, showcasing a heavy dependence on non-clean energy sources. With a population exceeding 28 million, this level of electricity generation translates to less than 200 watts per person, which is strikingly low compared to the global average of 3,638 watts per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can substantially limit economic growth, inhibit development, and hamper the improvement of living standards. Access to electricity is crucial for healthcare, education, and industry, and a shortage can result in stunted social and economic advancement.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar can learn from countries that have successfully harnessed sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear. For instance, India has made significant strides in both solar (128 TWh) and wind (91 TWh) energy, illustrating how investment in solar panels and wind farms can be beneficial. Brazil, with its generation of 102 TWh from wind power, is another example for Madagascar because both countries are in similar developing regions and have comparable renewable energy potentials. Additionally, nuclear energy remains a crucial component; countries like the United States and France have demonstrated the impressive stability and capacity of nuclear power to provide substantial low-carbon electricity. Through these examples, Madagascar can aspire to diversify its energy portfolio, ensuring energy security and bolstering its sustainable development.

History

Historically, Madagascar's journey with low-carbon electricity, primarily hydroelectric power, has seen various periods of limited growth and occasional setbacks. Starting from the early 1980s, there were modest increases in hydroelectric generation, about 0.1 TWh in both 1981 and 1984. Moving into the late 1990s and early 2000s, small increases continued but were accompanied by years without net growth, indicating a lack of significant development in hydro capacity. This trend continued with occasional modest growth through 2015, but recent years have seen fluctuations, including declines in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. These data suggest that while there have been efforts to increase hydroelectric generation, the progress has been inconsistent. Madagascar's focus should now include expanding other clean energy solutions, particularly solar and nuclear, which can provide more consistent and scalable generation alongside hydroelectric power.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources