2024-02-28 06:53:02
Isabelle Delattre Burger, ambassador of the European Union (EU), has been holding more meetings with the Malagasy authorities recently. In one of these interviews, she notably highlighted the urgency of starting the construction of the Volobe hydroelectric power station, highlighting its importance for human and economic development. The EU is supporting the project with a donation of 20 million euros, representing around a third of the state’s contribution. However, despite the signing of the memorandum of understanding in 2016, the project fell behind schedule, in particular due to negotiations on the price of the kilowatt hour.
The Volobe hydroelectric plant, once operational, will produce 120 megawatts, covering 40% of the national annual electricity consumption. This will benefit several regions of the country by partially solving the problem of energy insufficiency. Delays in the project have financial and structural consequences, leading to additional costs due to the production of electricity by more expensive means, such as thermal solutions.
The financing of the project, estimated at around 550 million euros, remains a major obstacle to its progress. While the General Hydroelectricity Company of Volobe (CGHV) is looking for partners and donors, the lack of funds is delaying the start of work. Discussions are underway with players such as Électrcité de France (EDF) to support the project. This delay also impacts public finances, increasing debts and affecting road maintenance funds.
Isabelle Delattre Burger underlines the importance of quickly realizing the Volobe and Sahofika hydroelectric projects to avoid collateral damage to the country’s economy and infrastructure. Despite efforts to reduce costs for consumers, the delays are having negative repercussions, requiring urgent action to ensure Madagascar’s energy and economic development.
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