In Mali, electricity consumption in 2023 is currently at a low level, with a total supply of 4.36 TWh. Fossil fuels constitute a significant portion of this electricity, producing approximately 2.5 TWh, slightly more than half of the total. Low-carbon electricity sources, mainly hydropower, contribute around 1.86 TWh, including 1.64 TWh from hydropower. With a population consumption per capita of approximately 193 kWh, Mali’s electricity generation is starkly below the global average of 3662 kWh per person. This deficiency hampers economic growth, reduces quality of life, and impedes educational and developmental opportunities. Limited access to clean electricity can exacerbate reliance on environmentally harmful fossil fuels, with potential negative consequences like air pollution and climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mali?
Recent trends in Mali indicate a decline rather than growth in electricity consumption. The current per capita consumption is at 193 kWh, down from 200 kWh in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased slightly from its previous record of 82 kWh per person in 2016 to 78 kWh per person. These reductions are alarming as they suggest stagnation in the expansion of clean electricity. To foster sustainable development and increase energy security, it is crucial for Mali to reverse this trend and significantly boost its electricity generation, particularly from low-carbon sources.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Mali can learn from other regions and increase its focus on solar and nuclear energy. Countries like India and Brazil have achieved significant solar electricity generation, with figures like 166 TWh and 79 TWh respectively, which are much larger than Mali's current figures. Similarly, nuclear energy in countries such as France and the United States provides substantial electricity generation, with France generating 373 TWh. By investing in solar infrastructure and considering the development of nuclear energy, Mali can strengthen its energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Regions like India and Brazil in solar energy and countries such as the United States, which boasts a strong nuclear sector, may provide valuable models for Mali’s future energy strategies.
History
Mali's history with low-carbon electricity generation has seen fluctuations, particularly in hydropower contributions. Since 2000, hydropower has seen modest increases in several years, such as 0.4 TWh in 2010 and in 2016, and decreases in years like 2013 and 2015 when it declined by 0.1 TWh and 0.3 TWh, respectively. While biofuels made a small contribution in the year 2000, recent years have seen local solar generation initiatives, with a 0.1 TWh increase in 2020. Emphasis on consistent progress in solar energy and perhaps introducing nuclear energy is vital for ensuring growth in electricity supply that keeps pace with increasing demand and supports national electrification efforts.
