In 2022, Malawi's electricity consumption primarily relied on low-carbon sources, with hydropower accounting for almost all of the 1.75 TWh generated using clean energy, albeit with a very small contribution from biofuels. This indicates a strong dependence on hydropower for clean electricity, although it does not yet have nuclear energy to further diversify its low-carbon electricity portfolio. With a total electricity consumption of just 89 kWh per person, Malawi is significantly below the global average of 3813 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can have far-reaching effects, potentially limiting economic growth, access to modern amenities, and improvements in quality of life.
Is Electricity Growing in Malawi?
There has been a concerning decline in electricity consumption in Malawi, particularly when compared to the previous record of 131 kWh/person in 2014. This recent data shows a drop of 42 kWh/person in total consumption over eight years. Low-carbon electricity consumption has also decreased from 123 kWh/person in 2014 to 85 kWh/person in 2022, a reduction of 38 kWh/person. This downward trend suggests potential challenges in infrastructure development, maintenance, or policy implementation. In order to address these challenges and meet increasing electricity demands, Malawi needs to focus on reversing this decline in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption.
Suggestions
To boost its clean electricity generation, Malawi could draw inspiration from countries like India and Brazil that have successfully integrated solar and wind energy into their electricity mix. Investing in solar power generation, as seen in India's achievement of 134 TWh, could be particularly beneficial due to Malawi's high solar irradiance. Furthermore, expanding wind energy following Brazil's example, where they produce 108 TWh from wind, could be another effective strategy. Additionally, considering the construction of nuclear facilities, initially on a small scale, could provide a stable and continuous source of low-carbon electricity, enhancing Malawi's energy independence and further reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby combating climate change and air pollution.
History
Reviewing Malawi's history of low-carbon electricity, the nation saw gradual increases primarily in hydropower throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with small but steady additions in the 1990s and early 2000s. Noteworthy is the increase in 2010 when hydropower added 0.3 TWh, representing a significant boost. However, there were setbacks, such as a reduction in hydropower by 0.1 TWh in 2017 and a larger drop of 0.4 TWh in 2018. Despite an attempt to diversify with the introduction of solar energy in 2018, the absence of nuclear and more extensive solar initiatives represents missed opportunities for broader low-carbon energy growth. To secure a more robust and sustainable electricity future, Malawi should aim for diversified clean energy sources, particularly focusing on solar and nuclear energy.