Madagascar to triple energy capacity

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Madagascar is currently dependent on thermal power plants which is unsustainable in the long term. The government under the auspices of the president has decided to implement a strategy regarding the diversification of energy sources with a priority on renewable sources. The goal of the multi-year strategy will be to triple the energy capacity.

Current projects include the construction of solar farms in forty-seven districts with a total capacity of 50 MW. This is the first step in a multi-year strategy that is already underway. As a result the government plans to achieve 600 MW of installed solar capacity.

Another source of renewable energy is the use of the country's hydroelectric potential which is more than 7800 MW. Thanks to this the government will reduce CO2 emissions and fossil fuel import costs while increasing energy independence.

The development of hydroelectric infrastructure will stabilize electricity supplies and diversify the energy mix in rural areas. The government believes that investing in hydropower will also attract foreign investors who want to support long-term projects with predictable returns. The cost of implementing the project will be astronomical which is why Madagascar's leaders have turned to the international community for help.

In addition to building solar farms and hydroelectric plants,the government also wants to repair and modernize existing equipment. Thanks to this production losses will be minimized especially in thermal power plants.

The development of renewable energies poses many technical and logistical challenges. These include in particular the need to create storage capacity and strengthen the regulatory framework which is essential for ensuring transparency and security of investments in the energy sector. It is in this area that Madagascar needs to make progress.

Source:EnergyNews/Editorial