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.

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.

What should Mali do about renewable-based electricity?

Mali also should provide guidelines and standards to accommodate renewable-based electricity. Consultation with relevant stakeholders is crucial, since grid connection codes impact on all those involved in the power system. By engaging the relevant parties, codes will be able to be implemented without placing the system in jeopardy.

Is Mali ready to scale up renewables?

The Ministry, working through the Mali Renewable Energy Agency (AER-Mali), has initiated a partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to assess Mali’s readiness to scale up renewables.

What is the electricity system in Mali?

Mali’s electricity system encompasses a national grid that is owned and operated by Energie du Mali SA (EDM SA) which supplies 35 towns, including Bamako. In addition to the national grid, EDM SA manages 30 isolated centres equipped with diesel generators and two centres supplied by Côte d’Ivoire.

How can Mali develop a regional power market?

To extend the national power grid is, by far, the most efective method to provide communities with power. Moreover, Mali’s geographical location ofers significant opportunities to enable it to play a key role in developing a regional power market. The RRA process identified hydro, solar and biomass as the key sources for grid-connected power.