In Mali's current electricity landscape in 2023, fossil fuel-based energy contributes approximately 2.5 TWh, which is significant given the country's total consumption. Low-carbon energy sources, including hydropower and solar, generate around 1.86 TWh, with hydropower alone contributing 1.64 TWh. This indicates that more than half of Mali's electricity comes from fossil energy, while low-carbon sources account for less than half. Mali's per capita electricity consumption stands at a mere 193 kWh, starkly lower than the global average of 3,649 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation could hinder economic development and access to technology, creating challenges in improving living standards and reducing poverty.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mali?
Examining the growth of electricity consumption in Mali reveals a concerning trend. In 2023, the per capita electricity consumption decreased to 193 kWh from its previous record of 200 kWh in 2022, indicating a decline of -7 kWh. Similarly, the production of low-carbon electricity dropped from a record high of 82 kWh/person in 2016 to 78 kWh/person in 2023, reflecting a -4 kWh change. This downward trend, despite the global push for green energy transformation, highlights a need for strategic interventions to foster growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation within Mali.
Suggestions
To significantly bolster Mali's low-carbon electricity generation, investing in solar and potentially nuclear energy—as demonstrated by successful regions—could be highly beneficial. The People's Republic of China, for instance, leads with substantial solar generation of 1,119 TWh and 475 TWh from nuclear plants, setting a global benchmark. India also stands out with notable investments in wind and solar energy, generating 102 TWh and 153 TWh, respectively. By learning from these examples, Mali could strategically expand its solar capacity, taking advantage of its abundant solar resources, while exploring the potential of nuclear energy for stable, greener energy production, addressing both energy security and environmental concerns.
History
Looking at Mali's history of low-carbon electricity growth, the early 2000s were marked by modest increases, primarily through the development of hydropower. Between 2000 and 2010, hydropower saw gradual increments with small boosts in capacity, but no significant leaps forward until a 0.4 TWh increase in 2010. The introduction of solar power in 2020, along with minor hydropower gains, reflected steps toward diversification. However, fluctuations in hydropower output, including notable declines like the -0.3 TWh in 2015, underscore the challenges in maintaining consistent low-carbon output. While biofuels entered the scene with a 0.1 TWh addition in 2000, Mali's need for consistent clean energy growth remains a priority to achieve a sustainable energy future.
