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).

What is the energy supply in Mali?

As in most sub-Saharan African countries, biomass (mainly in the form of firewood) provides the bulk of the energy supply (Figure 4). Mali has neither proven hydrocarbon resources nor a refinery; as a result, all petroleum products are imported through neighbouring coastal countries which impacts on the country’s balance of payments.

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.

Did Mali import energy?

Mali did not import energy. Energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, are often transformed into more useful or practical forms before being used. For example, crude oil is refined into many different kinds of fuels and products, while coal, oil and natural gas can be burned to generate electricity and heat.

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.

Will Mali get a large solar power plant?

As far as the energy transition is concerned, UEMOA has carried out an installation study for large solar power plants, identifying five sites - which include Mali - for a total capacity of 574 megawatts (MW), to be commissioned by 2030.