Electricity in Madagascar in 2022
In 2022, Madagascar's electricity consumption was primarily dominated by fossil fuel usage, accounting for approximately 1.71 TWh. When comparing this to the global average electricity consumption of around 3813 watts per person, the level of electricity generation in Madagascar is notably low. This scarcity of electricity supply can have substantial impacts on the country's socioeconomic development. Limited access to electricity can hinder economic growth, reduce the quality of education and healthcare services, and constrain technological advancements. Furthermore, reliance on fossil fuels contributes to environmental issues such as air pollution and climate change, which can have adverse effects on the health and well-being of the population.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully harnessed cleaner energy sources. Taking cues from Brazil, which generates a significant amount of electricity from wind (108 TWh) and solar (75 TWh), Madagascar could similarly utilize its natural resources for wind and solar power. India and South Africa are other examples; India generates 134 TWh from solar and South Africa generates 20 TWh also from solar. By investing in solar and wind energy, Madagascar can enhance its energy independence and sustainability while also curbing its carbon emissions. Implementing policies that support investment in clean energy technologies and fostering partnerships with countries experienced in these areas could be effective strategies for Madagascar.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Madagascar shows a reliance primarily on hydroelectric power with modest increments over the years. In the early 1980s and 1990s, small increases in hydroelectric capacity were noted. However, the growth was slow and inconsistent with some years showing decline such as in 2016 and 2017 where there was a reduction of 0.1 TWh, which indicates challenges in maintaining and expanding this energy source. The last few years up to 2022 did not demonstrate any changes indicating stagnation in this sector. Throughout these decades, hydro power has been the backbone of Madagascar's low-carbon strategy, but the absence of diversified low-carbon sources like solar indicates missed opportunities for addressing energy needs sustainably.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.