Is Mali ready for a green-energy future?

Mali is ripe for the steady transition from its fossil fuels-laden past to a cleaner green-energy future for its socio-economic growth according to its investment plan. Like most West African countries, Mali relies heavily on fossil fuels but has significant potential in solar and wind energy.

What is the energy access problem in Mali?

Mali faces a critical energy access challenge. The national power access rate was 50% in 2019 (compared to 36.11% in 2015). The problem is particularly acute in rural areas with 21.12% access rate in 2019 (compared to 15.75% in 2015).

Will Mali achieve a 15% solar penetration rate by 2030?

Hamathe Mane, Principal Renewable Energy Officer at the African Development Bank, explains, “in the renewable energy sector in Mali, we currently have a penetration rate covering 3% of the demand, which is relatively low. Through this Plan, we aim to achieve a solar penetration rate of 15% by 2030.

What does Mali's energy plan include?

Moussa Ombotimbe, Technical Advisor in charge of Energy at the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Water of the Republic of Mali, states that the “plan includes creating solar power plants, the inclusion of transmission lines, the establishment of mini-grids, and capacity building, making it comprehensive.”

Why is energy du Mali struggling with load shedding?

Power generation is limited (Annex A.17), forcing Energie du Mali (EDM, the power utility) to have recourse to frequent load shedding. EDM’s difficulties stem from the discrepancy between the average price (CFAF96 per KWh) and the power production cost (CFAF130 per kWh) in 2019.