The initial project agreements for the construction of solar power plants at 38 sites in Madagascar were signed on Wednesday, September 16, in Ampandrianomby. Four companies have partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons (MEH) under the ‘Solar Solutions for Madagascar’ (SSM) program. According to the schedule presented during the ceremony, the infrastructure must be installed and commissioned within 12 to 18 months.
These projects stem from a call for proposals launched by the ministry on April 30. Out of the 55 sites initially proposed, 38 are now covered by agreements with the four economic operators. The selected sites are spread across several localities, including Antsiranana, Mahajanga, Antsirabe, Nosy Be, Morondava, Sambava, Manakara, and Farafangana.
The SSM program aims to develop a total solar capacity of 207 MWp. The goal is to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity production and reduce reliance on thermal power plants, which are heavily utilized during low-water periods and peak hours.
The implementation schedule provides for progressive commissioning. According to the Ministry’s Secretary General, Dr. Adolphe Rakotonandrasana, some facilities could begin producing electricity within six to eight months, while the full deployment of all infrastructure could take up to 18 months.
The electricity generated by these plants will be injected into interconnected grids to strengthen the available supply. The government presents these new capacities as a structural response to the country’s ongoing electricity supply challenges.
During the signing, the Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Radonirina Lucas Rabearimanga, highlighted Madagascar’s solar potential. The country benefits from significant sunshine, estimated at approximately 2,800 hours per year, a resource the ministry intends to exploit further as part of its energy mix diversification strategy.
However, these future solar plants do not provide an immediate solution to current production deficits. Pending their commissioning, emergency measures continue to maintain electricity supply, including the use of generators in several major cities.
Artificial rain is also being considered among the measures to address the low-water levels currently affecting hydroelectric production. The development of solar capacity is intended to be part of a more sustainable response to the supply difficulties faced by Jirama.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-17 17:08:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/energie-quatre-societes-engagees-pour-construire-des-centrales-solaires-sur-38-sites-dans-les-12-a-18-prochains-mois/
