Mali's current electricity consumption includes a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with about 2.5 TWh generated from these sources, and a modest amount of just under 2 TWh from low-carbon sources like hydropower and solar. More than half of Mali’s electricity is produced using fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental concerns such as climate change and air pollution. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources, mostly hydropower, generate almost a third of the total electricity. When compared to the global average electricity use of 3736 kWh per person, Mali's average consumption is significantly lower at 193 kWh per person. This low level of electricity generation can hinder socio-economic development, slow industrial growth, and limit overall quality of life improvements.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mali?
The latest figures indicate that electricity consumption in Mali is not growing but slightly declining. In 2023, the consumption level was 193 kWh per person, a decrease from the previous record of 200 kWh per person in 2022. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a slight drop since its 2016 high, moving from 82 kWh to 78 kWh per person. This stagnation in electricity generation, particularly from sustainable sources, is concerning, given the urgent need to increase access to electricity to spur development and improve living standards.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Mali should look towards successful regions for inspiration and strategies. The significant solar power contributions from China and the US illustrate the potential of solar energy, while the nuclear energy successes from countries like France and states like Illinois highlight nuclear as a reliable option. Specifically, Mali could emulate the solar energy strategies of China and India, or the embrace of nuclear by North Carolina in the US. These regions have shown that investing in solar and nuclear is not only feasible but offers a sustainable path to meet electricity demands while minimizing environmental impacts.
History
Mali's history with low-carbon energy has been marked by relatively gradual changes, particularly in hydropower, which saw slight gains in the early 2000s and more notable fluctuations in the following years. For example, sporadic increases in hydroelectric power were observed in 2005, 2010, and 2014, but with occasional declines like those in 2013 and 2015. A promising addition was made in 2020 with minor solar energy contributions, illustrating a step towards diversification. Nevertheless, the current pace of low-carbon electricity adoption needs to accelerate significantly to keep up with global trends and internal development goals. Strengthening Mali's commitment to clean energy sources would not only mitigate reliance on fossil fuels but would also significantly enhance electricity generation capacity in the nation.
