A three-day cloud seeding operation began on Tuesday to mitigate power outages, with the primary target being the Andekaleka hydroelectric power plant.
“The drought that intensified in 2026 is the primary cause of electricity production disruptions, leading to water shortages at Andekaleka,” stated Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Radonirina Rabearimanga, during a press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters in Ampandrianomby regarding the frequent power cuts in Antananarivo.
Aging infrastructure at certain thermal power plants is exacerbating production issues. Currently, the Mandraka and Mandroseza plants are facing technical difficulties. “A motor at Mandraka that produces 6 MW is currently dysfunctional, but this is only a temporary issue,” the minister affirmed.
In response to these complications, several measures have been taken. In addition to cloud seeding, a thermal power plant capable of producing up to 3.4 megawatts is being installed in Ambohimanambola. Furthermore, a solar power plant is under construction in Moramanga, awaiting only the evacuation and distribution lines. There is also a project to import a generator capable of producing 7 MW.
In November, a new transformer will be installed at Andekaleka. Additionally, following the solar solution mobilization held on April 30, Jirama has secured an offer of 207 megawatts at a rate of less than 8.5 cents per dollar. “While production levels are not yet satisfactory, these problems do not affect all of Madagascar, but only Antananarivo, Diego, and Toamasina,” noted Jirama Director General, General Hajatiana Rasolomanana.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-10 06:23:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/production-delectricite-la-jirama.html
