Political vision

Political vision of the Malagasy State for the energy sector

The “policy letter” summarizes the country’s objectives and strategies for the sector and explains the “Nouvelle Politique de l’Énergie” (NPE) or “New Energy Policy”. A modern energy target has been set. In 2030, 70% of households should have sustainable access to electricity. The vision of the NPE is based on a fundamental principle of least cost, and on five qualitative objectives:

• • Access to modern energy for all
  • At an affordable cost
  • Securing the quality and reliability of services
  • Energy security
  • Sustainability

Promoting renewable energy

The New Energy Policy (NPE) gives priority to renewable energies and aims to preserve ecosystems and combat climate change: 

• • 70% of households must have access to affordable electricity;
  • 60% of industry and commerce must apply energy and thermal efficiency measures;
  • Extend the dominance of renewable energies in the energy mix (75% hydro, 5% solar and 5% wind);
  • Establish an institutional and regulatory framework, and attract national and international private investment;
  • Gradually replacing thermal power stations with hydroelectric sites (whose potential is exploited at just 2%: 162 MW out of 7,800 MW). 

At the moment, the challenges of this New Energy Policy are diverse. The country is still too dependent on fossil fuels, wood is over-exploited and only 15% of the population has access to electricity (6% in rural areas).

Implementation of the NPE

The CODELEC implements the energy policy in accordance with political objectives. The following sections describe this implementation.   

• The remit of the Office de Régulation de l’Électricité (www.ore.mg)

The mission of the Office de Régulation de l’Électricité (ORE) is to :

• • Regulate activities in the electricity sector (production, transport, distribution);
  • Plan electrical equipment;
  • Promote awareness of and compliance with electrical service standards.
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• The remit of the Rural Electrification Development Agency (www.ader.mg)

Each region has a general master plan for energy. This general master plan defines the resources that need to be prioritised. In accordance with this plan, ADER will select and implement projects. 

The priority resources are locally available renewable resources (hydroelectricity, biomass, solar and wind power).

The overall objectives of the Rural Electrification Programme are to :

• • Promote access to electricity services to support rural development and the proper functioning of basic social services;
  • Provide technical and financial support to the private sector. Support them in developing sustainable operations in rural areas.

An extension of public distribution 

• • The Declaration system includes an Authorisation for small power generation (improving self-generation);
  • A simpler procedure for awarding Authorizations and Concessions to the “energy supplier”. It is possible to delegate the power to the ADER, and to abolish the approval by means of a decree or order.

Sources:
– http://www.ore.mg/Publication/Rapports/NouvellePolitiqueDel’Energie.pdf
-http://www.ore.mg/Publication/Rapports/LettreDePolitique.pdf
-http://ader.mg/pdf_files/infos/Legislation/EA16_Madagascar_CountrySession.pdf