In 2022, electricity consumption in Madagascar was predominantly generated using fossil fuels, contributing approximately 1.71 TWh. Low-carbon energy sources, unfortunately, hold a modest share in the country's electricity production, with the total consumption reaching only 87 kWh/person. Compared to the global average of 3781 kWh/person, Madagascar's electricity consumption is significantly low, which might limit industrial and technological advancements as well as access to basic amenities for the population. The low levels of electricity generation in the country can impede development efforts, limiting opportunities for educational advancement, healthcare services, and economic growth.
Is Electricity Growing in Madagascar?
The trend in electricity consumption over recent years in Madagascar is concerning. The peak in total electricity consumption was recorded in 2019 at 88 kWh/person, but 2022 saw a slight decline to 87 kWh/person. The picture is similarly bleak for clean energy, with the peak of low-carbon electricity generation occurring in 2015 at 38 kWh/person, whereas the latest figures show a drop to 31 kWh/person. This stagnation and decline in both total and low-carbon energy consumption highlight a need for substantial efforts to reverse these trends and promote consistent growth in sustainable electricity generation.
Suggestions
Madagascar has a significant opportunity to boost its low-carbon electricity generation by looking to examples from other regions that have successfully adopted solar and wind energy as well as nuclear power. Countries like Brazil and Texas have made significant strides in wind energy, while solar power is thriving in regions such as India and California. Additionally, nuclear energy presents a robust low-carbon option, as demonstrated by France and the United States. By developing solar infrastructure, exploring the potential of wind energy, and considering the initiation or expansion of nuclear power facilities, Madagascar can decrease reliance on fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Madagascar reveals sporadic growth, mostly through hydroelectric projects over the last few decades. Since the early 1980s, there have been small and intermittent increases in hydro power, with notable gains of 0.1 TWh in years like 1981, 1984, 1995, and consistent additions throughout the 2000s. However, recent years have shown stagnation or decline, particularly a drop in hydro power generation in 2016 and 2017 by 0.1 TWh each year. By 2022, both hydro and solar power have seen no growth, reflecting an urgent need for Madagascar to revisit its strategies in sustainable electricity generation and focusing on an aggressive yet systematic approach towards advancing its infrastructure in solar and nuclear energy to secure a cleaner and more prosperous future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.