Is solar power a good idea in Mali?

Solar power is a recent development in the country. The government is encouraging the use of it by exempting equipment from customs duties and promising to subsidize the price of solar kits. Without such subsidies, solar energy in Mali is about twice the price of the traditional fossil fuel energy used in cities.

How much does it cost to get electricity in Mali?

Studies have shown that achieving universal access to electricity in Mali would require an investment of around $1.3 billion to extend networks and create more mini-grids, Sissoko said. Solar power is a recent development in the country.

How many mini-solar plants are there in Mali?

The rural electrification agency says 32 mini-solar plants like the one in Karan are in four regions in Mali’s south and southwest of the country, providing power for more than 2 million people, and are run by WeLight and German-owned Africa GreenTec. “We started with 48 connections and now we have more than 200.

Why is solar expansion a problem in Mali?

Insecurity caused by extremist attacks is another challenge to expansion in Mali, especially in the north, limiting the areas where companies can safely set up solar mini-grids.

Can Mali achieve universal access to electricity?

In rural areas, access is as low as 25%, according to Abdoulaye Makan Sissoko, an official with Mali’s rural electrification agency. Studies have shown that achieving universal access to electricity in Mali would require an investment of around $1.3 billion to extend networks and create more mini-grids, Sissoko said.

Why is the energy crisis affecting Mali's economy?

Although power cuts are currently shorter than last year, an energy crisis continues to weaken Mali’s economy, which is already reeling from the consequences of two coups since 2020 and attacks by armed separatist groups from the north or jihadists linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State Group.