In Malawi, electricity consumption in the year 2022 reached a total of just above 1.75 TWh, with the majority of this being derived from low-carbon sources. Hydropower dominates the scene, contributing nearly all of the low-carbon electricity produced, with a small fraction coming from solar and biofuels. Unfortunately, electricity consumption per person in Malawi was only 89 kWh, which is significantly lower than the global average of 3649 kWh/person. This discrepancy suggests that many Malawians lack sufficient access to electricity, which could hinder economic growth, limit educational opportunities, and exacerbate poverty levels due to the constraints it places on technological and industrial development.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources โ
Is Electricity Growing in Malawi?
Examining recent trends, electricity consumption in Malawi is not on a growth trajectory. In fact, it has seen a decline from its peak in 2010, where usage was recorded at 135 kWh/person. The latest numbers show a reduction of 46 kWh/person compared to this historic high. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased by 36 kWh/person since 2010. These waning statistics are discouraging, suggesting that the energy sector in Malawi is struggling to expand its capacity and reach. The decline in accessible, clean electricity underscores a pressing need for policies and investments targeting energy infrastructure that can unlock more robust economic growth and development.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation in Malawi, the country could draw inspiration from successful regions that have effectively harnessed solar and wind power, along with nuclear energy. For example, the People's Republic of China has achieved remarkable success in generating vast amounts of both solar and wind energy, producing 1117 TWh and 1090 TWh respectively. Similarly, Brazil's significant achievements in wind energy generation can be instructive for Malawi. Additionally, nuclear energy, as demonstrated by the United States with 781 TWh and France with 369 TWh, offers a substantial and reliable source of clean electricity. Embracing a diverse energy mix that integrates solar, wind, and nuclear could substantially propel Malawi's energy sector forward, thereby enhancing electricity accessibility and sustainability.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Malawi showcases periods of fluctuation primarily driven by hydropower investments. During the 1990s and early 2000s, gradual increments in hydropower capacity were evident, with modest increases every few years. Notable growth spurts occurred in the mid-2000s and again in 2010. However, the following decade showed some setbacks, especially between 2016 and 2018, where there was a significant decrease. The introduction of solar energy in 2019 brought some respite, albeit small in scale. Despite these efforts, the generation of clean electricity in Malawi remains below its potential, emphasizing the need for revitalized strategies and investments in green energy infrastructure to secure a stable and sustainable energy future.
