In Malawi, the current state of electricity consumption is characterized by a heavy reliance on low-carbon sources, particularly hydropower, which accounts for almost the entire 1.75 TWh of low-carbon electricity generated in 2022. This approach signifies a commitment to clean energy; however, the overall electricity consumption per person is very low at 89 kWh, significantly below the global average of 3781 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can pose challenges, particularly in areas such as health, education, and economic development, as electricity is essential for powering infrastructure, businesses, and modern conveniences that drive growth and quality of life improvements.
Is Electricity Growing in Malawi?
Unfortunately, electricity consumption in Malawi has seen a decline from its previous peak. In 2022, the total electricity consumption dropped to 89 kWh per person from the historic record of 131 kWh per person in 2014, reflecting a decrease of 42 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person also experienced a decline from 123 kWh per person in 2014 to 85 kWh per person in 2022. This decline in both total and clean electricity generation is concerning as it suggests a potential stagnation in developmental progress. Expanding access to electricity, particularly clean electricity, will be crucial to facilitating continued growth and improving living standards.
Suggestions
To combat this trend and improve low-carbon electricity generation, Malawi can look toward successful examples from around the world. For instance, countries like the People's Republic of China and the United States have made significant advancements in both wind and solar energy generation, adding hundreds of TWh to their grids. Solar and nuclear power should be considered pivotal components of Malawi's strategy in increasing its clean energy capacity. Emulating Brazil's emphasis on wind power, Germany's initiatives in solar energy, and nuclear power successes from countries like France and South Korea could pave the way for a sustainable energy future in Malawi. By tapping into solar energy given its geographical advantage and exploring potential nuclear power infrastructure, Malawi could significantly increase its clean energy generation and meet growing electricity demands.
History
Historically, Malawi's low-carbon electricity generation has largely centered around incremental increases from hydropower. In the 1990s, under steady progression, hydropower generation saw modest increases through 1992 and 1997, experiencing consistent but stable growth. In the early 2000s, there were slight improvements, followed by a notable boost in 2010. However, from 2017 onwards, hydropower faced setbacks highlighted by a decline in 2018, marking a negative turn. The inclusion of biofuels in 2000 did not see significant growth, and solar energy generation remained stagnant by 2018. Despite these challenges, each advancement in the clean energy sector reflects the potential Malawi has to lead with low-carbon solutions, particularly through strategic investments in solar and nuclear energy that are vital for economic progress and sustainable development.