Madagascar,
as with many African countries, has long faced difficult decisions over which energy
resources to use. This is not helped by the pressure on individuals and
communities living in relative poverty and the pressure on a worldwide stage
for countries to embrace renewable energies. Recently in Madagascar though, the
response seems to be going well!
So
what is this ‘response'? A memorandum presented
by Fluidic Energy (a company offering energy storage in Africa, Asia and the Americas)
proposes using renewable, battery-based energy for over 100 (often remote)
communities through the introduction of mini grid power systems (1). In many of
these remote communities getting any energy is a positive but now there is the
opportunity for clean, reliable and renewable power in one of the largest
energy projects in the continent.
Fluidic
energy and their partners will manage the energy storage for around 400,000
people, mostly using solar energy – already introduced in Madagascar. This
builds on another energy positive – last month, 65 million$ was granted to try
and enhance Madagascar’s struggling energy sector and build a promising link
between World Bank and Madagascar (2).
This
makes Madagascar the third country, after Zambia and Senegal, to join the
‘Scaling Solar’ program and it is hoped that this will ease the daily
interruption of power. “A reliable supply of electricity will support growth in
Madagascar's economy, and improve lives for individuals, families, and
businesses,” said Oumar Seydi, IFC Regional Director for East and Southern
Africa. “’Scaling Solar’ is an innovative World Bank Group initiative that
reflects a commitment to supporting developing while protecting the
environment” (3). Of course only time will tell how successful this scheme will
be, but for Madagascar this seems to be a positive move – a step into the sun!
Energy
in Madagascar has made the news in other ways too – by highlighting the problem
of Global warming. Recently ‘Earth Hour’ took place – a global movement
involving turning off all lights for the hour and managing without electricity.
On Saturday19th March in Madagascar, thousands of people took to
rallies including parades, exhibitions and school events… even a candle-lit
dance class! All bringing the country together and putting pressure on leaders
to react to Global Warming – Madagascar wasn’t to be left out! (4)
MoneyForMadagascar
has already played a part in helping the people of Madagascar to find new,
sustainable and reliable energy sources, for instance by supporting partners
that provide solar power to 34 rural primary schools in the Education For Life
programme.
To find out more about what we do in Madagascar and to see how you can play a part in Madagascar's new solar solutions, please visit https://www.moneyformadagascar.org.
If you would like to make a donation to support our work, please click here. Thank you.
By
Matthew Ward
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