In Malawi, electricity consumption in 2022 stood at an astonishingly low level compared to the global average. More than half of the country's electricity is sourced from low-carbon energy, specifically hydropower, which alone contributes almost 1.7 TWh, marking a significant portion of the energy mix. The total electricity generation in Malawi amounts to around 1.75 TWh, highlighting a shortfall when compared to the global average of 3649 kWh/person. This stark disparity indicates that Malawi may face significant challenges in economic development, industrial expansion, and improvement in quality of life due to limited access to electricity. Additionally, low levels of electricity hinder advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education where consistent power supply is crucial.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources โ
Is Electricity Growing in Malawi?
Examining the growth trend of electricity in Malawi, it is clear that there is a concerning stagnation. In 2022, the per person electricity consumption was just 89 kWh, which is substantially lower than the historical peak of 131 kWh per person recorded in 2014. This decline signifies a reduction of 42 kWh/person in overall electricity consumption, reflecting similarly in low-carbon electricity which also witnessed a drop from 123 to 85 kWh/person. These numbers underscore a steep 38-kWh reduction since 2014's record. Such regression not only stalls socioeconomic progress but also limits Malawi's potential in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Suggestions
To overcome its current energy challenges, Malawi could focus on expanding its low-carbon electricity generation by taking cues from successful regions. Solar and nuclear energy appear to be particularly promising avenues. For instance, countries like India, which generates 153 TWh from solar, and Brazil, with 114 TWh from wind, demonstrate the feasibility of increasing solar and wind infrastructure. Moreover, the example set by France, with its substantial 370 TWh nuclear energy output, showcases how investing in nuclear can establish a stable and clean energy framework. Lessons can also be drawn from Texas, which utilizes both wind and solar technologies effectively, generating 127 TWh and 58 TWh, respectively. These examples suggest pathways for Malawi to harness its potential, achieve energy diversification, and significantly boost its green energy generation.
History
Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Malawi, hydropower has played a pivotal role for several decades. In the early 1990s, there were modest but consistent increases in electricity generation from hydro. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with occasional spurts of growth such as a 0.3 TWh increase in 2010 and smaller increments in subsequent years. However, recent years have witnessed setbacks, notably in 2017 and 2018 when hydroelectric power saw declines of 0.1 and 0.4 TWh, respectively. Despite these setbacks, there was a promising resurgence in 2019 with an increase of 0.3 TWh in hydropower capacity. A continuous focus on stable and increasing growth of clean energy sources will be essential for Malawi's energy security and environmental stewardship going forward.
