Electricity in Mali in 2022

In Mali, electricity consumption in 2022 was primarily dependent on fossil fuels and low-carbon sources such as hydropower. Approximately two-thirds of Mali's electricity, accounting for over 2 TWh, was generated from fossil fuels. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, mainly hydropower, provided roughly 1.5 TWh of electricity, with hydropower alone contributing 1.4 TWh. Given Mali's small population, the total electricity generation equates to significantly less than the global average of 3606 watts per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can have substantial impacts on economic development, access to education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, making the expansion of clean energy crucial for sustainable development.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Mali could look at successful strategies employed by other nations. For instance, India and Brazil have achieved significant generation from solar and wind energy, each producing more than 90 TWh. Mali can harness its abundant solar resources and consider partnering with countries that have excelled in solar technology for knowledge transfer and investment. Implementing wind energy alongside solar could be beneficial as demonstrated by countries like Germany and Spain, where wind contributes a substantial portion of their low-carbon energy. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy should be part of Mali’s long-term energy strategy, taking inspiration from countries like South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, which have smaller but effective nuclear programs.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Mali reveals a reliance on hydropower, with notable fluctuations over the years. In the early 2000s, steady but modest increases were seen, including small additions from biofuels in 2000. The late 2000s to early 2010s saw sporadic growth in hydroelectricity, marked by increments of 0.1 to 0.4 TWh in certain years, though setbacks occurred in years like 2013 and 2015 with slight decreases. Encouragingly, the last few years, particularly 2021 and 2022, have seen a positive trend with gains in hydropower capacity. Expanding on this foundation while diversifying into other low-carbon sources like solar and nuclear can set Mali on a path toward a more sustainable and secure electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources