Electricity in Malawi in 2022

In 2022, Malawi's electricity consumption reveals a substantial reliance on low-carbon sources, with hydropower contributing the bulk at 1.05 TWh and a total of 1.27 TWh of green energy including other minor sources. However, the total electricity generation remains quite low compared to the global average, with each person in Malawi using far less than the global per capita average of 3638 watts. Such low levels of electricity generation can have adverse effects on development, stalling progress in essential services like healthcare and education, and hindering economic growth. For a country like Malawi, where over half the population could potentially remain underserved in terms of electricity, moving towards increasing the availability and reliability of power is vital.

Suggestions

To amplify low-carbon electricity generation, Malawi can significantly invest in expanding solar power facilities, which are promising due to the country's favorable solar conditions. Drawing lessons from nations such as India, which generated 128 TWh of solar power, and Brazil with 67 TWh, Malawi can adopt similar strategies like incentivizing solar installations and improving grid storage systems to harness maximum potential. Additionally, focusing on a wider portfolio of clean technologies, such as exploring partnerships for wind energy development, as seen with South Africa's increasing wind capacity of 11 TWh, will further diversify Malawi's energy mix and increase resilience.

History

Reflecting on the historical trends, Malawi has shown gradual progress in the enhancement of its low-carbon electricity generation capabilities. In the 1990s, periods of increasing hydropower generation were frequently recorded, with consistent annual growths around 0.1 TWh. Noteworthy advancements continued in the early 2000s, particularly in 2010, when hydropower grew by 0.3 TWh, indicating a phase of improvement. However, there were dips, notably in 2017 with a minor reduction and a significant decline by 0.5 TWh in 2018, indicative of challenges perhaps due to external environmental factors. Despite these setbacks, a resurgence in solar power was noted in 2019, marking the start of diversification efforts. These historical trends underscore the resilience and potential for further development in Malawi's low-carbon electricity trajectory.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources