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).

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 are the main sources of electricity in Mali?

At present, thermal and large-scale hydropower plants are the main sources of electricity supply on the national grid. Renewable energy could provide the most competitive form of power in Mali due to today’s advanced technological reliability, declining technology costs and high resource potential.

Is biomass a good energy source in Mali?

Traditional biomass – the burning of charcoal, crop waste, and other organic matter – is not included. This can be an important energy source in lower-income settings. Mali: How much of the country’s energy comes from nuclear power? Nuclear energy – alongside renewables – is a low-carbon energy source.

Does Mali have bio-energy resources?

to IRENA. As highlighted in Chapter 2, Section 2.1, Mali has significant bio-energy resources that can lead to a paradigm shift in the structure of the power supply system. A country-wide, in-depth assessment of bio-energy resources and a policy framework are among the key initial steps toward better utilisation of resources.

How many people in Mali have access to electricity?

In Mali, less than half of the population has access to electricity, whereas in rural areas access is limited to only 16.7% of the population. In terms of modern fuels, access is extremely low, at only 2% and 3% for rural and urban areas, respectively. Energy access is widely recognised as essential to improve economic welfare.