Mali household off-grid energy storage power station

Are solar mini-grids a viable option in southwestern Mali?

Southwestern Mali alone has 53 Gigawatt of solar potential, enough to meet the whole country’s power demand. Solar mini-grids are not only a viable option for last-mile communities but are also at the heart of economic development and improved healthcare in those areas.

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.

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.

Does Mali need solar power?

While more than 83 per cent of Mali’s population are still lacking energy access, the country has considerable potential to scale up clean energy access through solar power. Southwestern Mali alone has 53 Gigawatt of solar potential, enough to meet the whole country’s power demand.

Does Mali have a rural electrification strategy?

Mali’s current rural electrification strategy relies on decentralised diesel-powered mini-grids. However, there is an increased effort to decarbonise them.

Are solar mini-grids a viable option for last-mile communities?

Solar mini-grids are not only a viable option for last-mile communities but are also at the heart of economic development and improved healthcare in those areas. With longer supply of electricity from the solar mini-grid, a pharmacist in Bancoumana has been able to increase her profitability as she can now sell medicines that require cold storage.