In 2023, electricity consumption in Mali reveals a heavy dependence on fossil fuels and a noticeable but smaller share of low-carbon sources. With fossil fuels generating about 2.5 TWh and low-carbon sources, including hydropower, contributing approximately 1.86 TWh, it’s clear that fossil energy constitutes a significant fraction of the country’s electricity generation. Hydropower accounts for almost all of the low-carbon electricity. In comparison to the global average of 3649 kWh per person, Mali’s total electricity consumption stands at just 193 kWh per person, which is a stark contrast. This low level of electricity generation can hinder economic development, slow down technological advancements, and perpetuate energy poverty, limiting access to essential services and contributing to lower living standards.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mali?
Recent figures indicate a decline rather than growth in Mali's electricity consumption. The latest data from 2023 shows 193 kWh/person, a reduction of 22 kWh from the peak of 214 kWh/person in 2018. Similarly, the country’s low-carbon electricity generation decreased, with a drop from 83 kWh/person in 2016 to 78 kWh/person in 2023. These downward trends highlight a worrying stagnation in energy production, particularly in sustainable electricity generation, which must be addressed for the country to meet the increasing energy demands of its population and the needs of modernization.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Mali can draw lessons from successful regions around the world. Notably, China has achieved significant strides in solar and wind energy generation, with 1117 TWh and 1090 TWh, respectively. Moreover, countries like the United States and France have demonstrated the immense potential of nuclear energy by generating substantial amounts of low-carbon electricity. Introducing solar and nuclear energy technologies could provide Mali with a sustainable path forward. Investment in solar energy could leverage Mali's abundant sunlight, while exploring nuclear energy could supply reliable and large-scale electricity, ultimately reducing reliance on fossil fuels and allowing for cleaner, more sustainable energy development.
History
Reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in Mali, notable developments have occurred primarily through hydropower. During the early 2000s and into the 2010s, Mali saw gradual increases in hydropower generation, with significant contributions occurring in 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2016. Despite these gains, certain years, notably 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2019, witnessed declines in hydropower generation, indicating inconsistencies in its growth. In recent years, small-scale solar and biofuel technologies began contributing to the country's low-carbon energy mix, as seen in 2021. While these additions mark positive steps, more robust and consistent increases across solar and nuclear energy are imperative to enhance Mali’s electricity stability and environmental footprint in the future.
