Faced with the energy crisis hitting the country, the President of the Republic of Madagascar announced on Wednesday a series of emergency measures aimed at mitigating the consequences of long power cuts affecting both the population and the national economy. During his visit to the premises of the Malagasy water and electricity company (JIRAMA) in Ambohimanambola, the Head of State ordered the activation of the combustion turbines (TAC), a decision which, although expensive, should allow the reductions in power to reduce. which paralyzes the daily life of the Malagasy people.
The activation of GIIs represents a daily cost of 300 million ariary, for an operation limited to five hours per day. At the same time, the President set an ambitious objective: to achieve an 80% reduction in power cuts thanks to groups using heavy fuel oil. These measures should allow the inhabitants of Antananarivo to benefit from a continuous supply of electricity from 6 am to 10 pm, essential progress for economic activities and daily life.
In addition to these immediate measures, President Rajoelina planned operations to stimulate artificial rain to optimize the level of the dams. This use of climate manipulation techniques emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the government’s commitment to exploring all available options to ensure a stable power supply.
However, this serious situation also raises concerns about the management of the funds allocated to JIRAMA. The President warned against abuse and manipulation of subsidies intended to improve energy access. He called for an intensified fight against illegal connections, responsible for a significant part of the public company’s losses. The sanctions promise to be tough on anyone who tries to take advantage of these resources, ensuring that the funds are used for the benefit of all.
during a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, the President spoke of budgetary adjustments aimed at focusing the state’s resources on energy priorities. He presented several structural projects for a lasting solution to the crisis. These include the installation of a 20 MW solar park in Antananarivo, the creation of a 328-hectare floating solar park on Lake Iarivo, as well as the development of hydroelectric power stations. These initiatives, which have a total additional capacity of 1,000 MW, aim to strengthen the national energy infrastructure while ensuring clean and accessible energy production.
Time.news Interview: Tackling Madagascar’s Energy Crisis
Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are joined by Dr. Marie Raharisoa, an energy expert and consultant on sustainable power solutions in Madagascar. Dr. Raharisoa, thank you for taking the time to discuss the recent emergency measures announced by President of Madagascar to address our ongoing energy crisis.
Dr. Raharisoa: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss this pressing issue, as energy is fundamental to both our daily lives and economic growth.
Editor: Absolutely. As we’ve seen, the President has ordered the activation of combustion turbines and set an ambitious target to reduce power cuts significantly. What are your thoughts on this decision?
Dr. Raharisoa: The activation of the combustion turbines, despite its high operational costs, is a necessary short-term solution. It brings immediate relief by providing more electricity, especially in densely populated areas like Antananarivo. However, the daily cost of 300 million ariary for just five hours of operation shows the financial strain associated with such measures and highlights the need for a long-term sustainable energy strategy.
Editor: Right. The measures aim for an 80% reduction in power cuts. Do you believe this target is feasible?
Dr. Raharisoa: While ambitious, it is certainly achievable if implemented effectively. The commitment to utilize heavy fuel oil can improve the situation significantly in the short term. However, the real challenge lies in maintaining this balance while planning for renewable energy sources in the future. We must ensure that any short-term solutions do not lock us into long-term fossil fuel dependency.
Editor: That’s a great point. How do you see the role of JIRAMA, the Malagasy water and electricity company, in this context?
Dr. Raharisoa: JIRAMA plays a critical role, acting at the forefront of this crisis. They need to manage not only the logistical challenges of ramping up generation but also the operational costs and the maintenance of this infrastructure. Furthermore, they must effectively communicate with the public about these changes to maintain trust and transparency regarding the power situation.
Editor: Speaking of the public, how has the population been affected by these prolonged power cuts?
Dr. Raharisoa: The impact has been severe. Frequent outages undermine daily activities—everything from running businesses to schooling suffers. Many families have had to adapt through the use of alternative energy sources such as solar power, but not everyone can afford that option. The government’s response is crucial in stabilizing the situation and ensuring that basic needs are met.
Editor: In your opinion, what should be the longer-term approach for Madagascar to ensure a more stable energy supply?
Dr. Raharisoa: Madagascar has tremendous renewable energy potential—particularly in solar and hydropower. Investing in these resources can diversify our energy supply and reduce dependency on expensive fossil fuels. Policymakers should focus on creating an integrated energy plan that incentivizes investments in sustainable technologies while enhancing the existing grid infrastructure to accommodate these new sources.
Editor: Wise advice, Dr. Raharisoa. As we wrap up, what message would you like to give to our readers regarding the energy crisis?
Dr. Raharisoa: Understanding that energy is interconnected with economic and social well-being is key. It is vital for all stakeholders — government, private sector, and the public — to work collaboratively to overcome this crisis. Sustainable solutions are within our reach, but they require immediate action and long-term commitment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Raharisoa, for your insights into this pressing matter. It’s clear that sustainable energy solutions will be at the forefront of Madagascar’s development in the coming years.
Dr. Raharisoa: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for positive changes ahead!