The 40 MW Ambatolampy Solar Power Project plays a crucial role in bringing power to the population of Madagascar, where only 25% of the population has electricity access. Located in the Vakinankaratra Region near the centre of the island, the solar photovoltaic (PV) plant harnesses solar energy and feeds the electrical power in the national grid. Madagascar is one of the sunniest countries in the world with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year.
Benefits: Climate & Environment
Commissioned in 2018, Ambatolampy was the first large-scale solar power plant on the island. The plant was expanded between 2021 and 2022 by adding 20 MW of capacity and a battery storage system to stabilize production. This expansion enables the plant to supply renewable electricity to nearly 100,000 households, contributing to Madagascar’s goal of achieving 80% renewable energy in its mix by 2030.
The project’s climate & environmental benefits include:
- Reducing Madagascar’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, lowering the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The projects annual emission reductions are estimated to be 36,360 tonnes CO2e per year.
- Supporting sustainable energy transition by contributing to Madagascar’s goal of reaching 80% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030.
- Improved air quality by lowering reliance on diesel generators, which emit harmful pollutants and contribute to respiratory issues and environmental degradation.
- Promoting responsible land use by utilizing previously underdeveloped land for clean energy production, preserving forests and biodiversity elsewhere. Agreements have been reached with local population for the use of land belonging to the project, in particular for grazing of livestock and cutting/collecting of grass inside the site and no conflict emerged following the start of construction of the extension site.
Benefits: Social & Economic
The project not only contributes to carbon emission reduction but also supports the local economy in other ways:
- Employment: The project hired more than 80 people for the construction phase and relies on 10 permanent technicians to ensure operation and maintenance
- Tourism Opportunities: Expected to include benefits to trades and tourism as enhanced energy access can support tourism by improving facilities/ services for visitors.
- Local Communities: Food donations. Deployment of mobile clinics for health access, with 357 medical consultations including 340 women and children. School visits to the plant foster community involvement and education.
- Energy self-sufficiency: Reliable Energy Supply and will improve energy self-sufficiency of the country, alleviating the associated risks of price variations.
- Improved Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of a local public school with benches and equipment. The project will also introduce PV technology, methods and skills in the island and demonstrate its applicability and efficiency and so widening the accessibility. By providing stable electricity, local business are supported.
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