Where is Madagascar the energy hub

Madagascar is an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa with a developing energy sector heavily reliant on bioenergy and facing significant electricity access challenges.

Geographical Location

Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island, located approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. It includes the main island of Madagascar and numerous smaller peripheral islands. The capital and largest city is Antananarivo, and the country has a population of nearly 32 million people .

Energy Access and Infrastructure

Madagascar faces low electricity access, with only 36% of the population connected, and rural areas are particularly underserved, with just 7% having electricity . The national electricity system is fragmented into three separate high-voltage grids: the Antananarivo Interconnected Network (covering 70% of consumption), the Fianarantsoa Interconnected Grid, and the Toamasina Interconnected Grid. These grids are largely concentrated in urban areas, and the country suffers from system losses of 31% due to aging infrastructure .

Energy Mix

Madagascar's energy supply is dominated by bioenergy, which accounts for 85% of total energy consumption, primarily from firewood (68%) and charcoal (10%). Fossil fuels contribute a smaller share: oil 12%, coal 2.5%, and hydropower 1%. Electricity generation relies on oil (46%) and renewables (34.5%), with hydropower providing most of the renewable share (31% of total generation) from six hydro plants . Despite having oil reserves, the country currently imports all crude oil and petroleum products, with net fossil fuel imports accounting for 14.5% of total energy supply .

Challenges and Development Goals

Madagascar's energy sector faces multiple challenges:

• Unreliable grid electricity due to dependence on fuel oil, low hydropower output, and outdated infrastructure.
• Limited access to clean cooking technologies, with only 1.5% of the population using modern fuels .
• High poverty rates, with 81% of the population considered poor, which limits energy affordability . The government has set a target to increase electricity access to 70% by 2030, aiming to expand renewable energy and improve grid reliability .

Summary

While Madagascar is not yet a major global energy hub, it has significant potential for renewable energy development, particularly in hydropower, solar, and wind, and is actively working to improve electricity access and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Its energy profile reflects a transitioning system with a strong dependence on biomass and a growing focus on sustainable energy solutions .