Madagascar adds thermal Power to offset water scarcity impacts
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The Malagasy Power group inaugurated two new generators in Ambohimanambola on 30 October to increase the electrical capacity of the Antananarivo interconnected network.
This project, known as Malagasy Power (MADO), adds 3.4 megawatts of thermal power to the local grid. The expansion aims to support the electricity supply for the capital and its surrounding areas during periods of low water availability. Because Madagascar faces a decrease in water resources, the hydroelectric plants often struggle to meet demand.
These new generators provide a complementary source of energy to help maintain service when water levels are insufficient. The ministry of Énergie et des Hydrocarbures and the national utility company Jirama initiated this effort in March 2026 by calling on private operators to find extra resources. The thermal power addition is part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources by combining renewable hydroelectricity with thermal options.
While this helps secure the energy supply, it also introduces new requirements for fuel supplies and operating costs. The new capacity helps Madagascar work toward its goal of providing electricity to 80 percent of its population by 2030. However, the utility company notes that this specific addition alone does not guarantee an end to power outages. The quality of service still depends on the state of the distribution network and the ongoing availability of equipment.
