In Madagascar, electricity consumption in 2022 reflects a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with the country generating 1.71 TWh from such sources. Low-carbon electricity generation is notably small, contributing almost close to none per capita. This puts Madagascar in a challenging position where its electricity consumption per person stands at just 87 kWh, far below the global average of 3736 kWh/person. These low levels of electricity generation can contribute to developmental challenges, limiting economic growth, industrialization, and access to modern conveniences, while also affecting the overall quality of life.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Madagascar?
However, when looking at the growth of electricity in Madagascar, there appears to be stagnation. In 2022, the electricity consumption per capita was slightly lower than in 2019, decreasing from 88 to 87 kWh/person. Clean energy production, specifically, has seen a decline, with the latest numbers indicating 31 kWh/person compared to a previous high of 38 kWh/person in 2015. This reduction in low-carbon electricity generation is concerning, as it suggests that Madagascar is not progressing towards a cleaner and more sustainable electricity supply, which is essential for environmental health and long-term economic development.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar can look towards regions that have successfully harnessed solar and nuclear power. Countries like China, with substantial solar and wind generation, and the United States, boasting a significant amount of nuclear-generated electricity, provide excellent blueprints for increasing low-carbon energy use. Madagascar could potentially leverage its geographic advantages for solar power expansion, learning from countries such as India and Brazil, who have made notable investments in solar and wind energy. By investing in solar and potentially nuclear infrastructure, Madagascar can create a more reliable and green energy grid, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and provide its population with more sustainable and affordable electricity.
History
Looking at Madagascar's historical data for low-carbon electricity, primarily hydro, there have been modest increments mainly around every few years, such as in 1981, 1984, and 1995, with an overall trend of slow and inconsistent growth. Even though hydroelectricity experienced occasional small increases, there have also been periods of decline, such as in 2016 and 2017, revealing the erratic nature of progress in the sector. In 2022, solar energy made its debut, signaling a potential shift towards diversifying and expanding low-carbon electricity sources beyond traditional hydro. To secure a sustainable and continuous growth in low-carbon electricity generation, Madagascar should focus on long-term strategic planning, investment, and the adoption of diverse clean technologies, such as solar and nuclear power.
