Is decentralised solar power a cost-effective way to power Madagascar?

A costly expansion of the national electricity grid is a long way off and not the most cost-effective way either. Madagascar is one of the sunniest countries in the world with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, so decentralised solar power supply to rural areas is not only easier but also cheaper.

How much electricity does Madagascar have?

A Crucial Resource for Economic and Social Development In Madagascar, only 15% of the population has access to electricity. In 2017, the country had just 570 MW of mainly thermal (60%) and hydroelectric (40%) installed production capacity. Furthermore, only 60% of this energy is truly available owing to poor maintenance of power plants.

Does Madagascar have a power supply at night?

Lithium-ion batteries also provide power at night. Madagascar is the largest island state in Africa and the fourth largest island in the world. With the equivalent of 440 US dollars a year 1, the annual gross national income per capita is far below the average of the other African states south of the Sahara.

Where is Ambatolampy solar PV plant?

Ambatolampy solar PV plant. Image: GreenYellow. Operators of the largest solar power station in the Indian Ocean have launched a new solar PV plant in the north of Madagascar. NEA Sava, a joint venture between Axian Group and GreenYellow, has put the power plant in Antalaha into service.