Summary

*Estimated annual emission reductions from the current mini-grid component.

Madagascar has one of the lowest rural electrification rates in the world. Despite recent progress, only around 42% of the population has access to electricity¹, whilst only around 7% of people living in rural areas have access to electricity². Many villages remain beyond the reach of the national electricity grid, relying on candles, kerosene lamps, batteries or diesel generators for basic energy services. Since 2019, atmosfair has been supporting renewable energy projects and the development of solar mini-grids that provide reliable, affordable and clean electricity to rural communities across Madagascar.

This project helps households, businesses, schools and health facilities gain access to electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting local economic development.

Expanding access to electricity in rural Madagascar

Reliable electricity is essential for improving living standards and supporting economic development. It enables lighting, refrigeration, communications, healthcare services, education and productive uses of energy that create new income opportunities.

However, extending the national grid to remote rural communities is often technically difficult and expensive. Madagascar’s excellent solar resources make decentralised renewable energy systems a practical and cost-effective alternative.

Solar mini-grids can provide reliable electricity directly to rural communities without the need for connection to the national grid.

atmosfair supports the development of solar mini-grids across Madagascar

The project supports the construction and operation of solar mini-grids in rural communities throughout Madagascar.

Each mini-grid typically consists of:

• a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant;
• battery storage systems;
• a local electricity distribution network; and
• backup generation where required to maintain a reliable supply.

The project currently includes operational mini-grids in Anakao, Mangily, Ambahikily and Ankililoaka. In addition, 14 further solar mini-grids are under construction and are expected to be commissioned by mid-2027. Together, these systems form part of a broader effort to expand access to reliable renewable electricity in rural Madagascar.

The mini-grids provide electricity to households, businesses and public facilities. Access to electricity supports local economic development by enabling productive uses of energy including refrigeration, workshops, retail businesses and other small enterprises. atmosfair also supports productive-use initiatives that help local businesses access affordable financing for electrical equipment, such as refrigerators, power tools and other productive assets. This enables businesses to expand their operations, create jobs and make better use of renewable electricity.

Supporting rural development

Access to electricity can transform rural communities.

The project helps:

• Improve conditions for local businesses and productive activities
• Reduce expenditure on diesel fuel and other traditional energy sources
• Increase access to modern energy services
• Support education through improved lighting and access to electronic devices
• Enable communication through mobile phone charging and internet access
• Support local businesses to grow through access to affordable financing for productive equipment and machinery
• Strengthen local economic development and employment opportunities

Communities connected to the mini-grids are already using electricity to support businesses, improve services and enhance their quality of life.

Electric cooking powered by renewable electricity

The project is also promoting a transition from traditional cooking with charcoal and firewood to electric cooking powered by renewable electricity from the mini-grids.

Following successful implementation in Anakao and Mangily, ANKA Madagascar is scaling electric cooking across its mini-grid portfolio. Households can use efficient appliances such as induction cookers, rice cookers and other appliances suited to local cooking practices.

To support adoption, atmosfair subsidises electricity used for cooking during the initial transition period. The program aims to make electric cooking affordable while reducing dependence on charcoal and firewood.

Electric cooking provides several benefits:

• lower greenhouse gas emissions;
• reduced demand for firewood and charcoal;
• improved indoor air quality;
• reduced exposure to smoke from traditional cooking fuels;
• lower cooking fuel costs; and
• greater convenience for households.

Electrifying rural health centres

Reliable electricity is essential for rural healthcare.

In addition to village electrification, atmosfair supports the electrification of rural health centres in cooperation with Doctors for Madagascar. To date, 16 rural health centres have been electrified through the program, with additional installations underway. Where health centres are not covered by planned mini-grid projects, dedicated solar systems can provide electricity for lighting, refrigeration of medicines and vaccines, communications and basic medical services. Reliable power helps improve healthcare services and patient outcomes in remote communities.

Supporting local expertise and employment

The project contributes to the development of Madagascar’s renewable energy sector by creating jobs and building local technical expertise. Local staff are involved in community engagement, construction, operation and maintenance activities.

By working with local developers and operators, the project helps build long-term capacity for rural electrification across Madagascar.

Looking ahead

atmosfair continues to work closely with its local partners to expand access to clean electricity in Madagascar and support the country’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The project demonstrates how decentralised renewable energy can provide reliable power to remote communities while delivering climate, environmental and social benefits.

Video: Benefits of Solar Mini-Grids in Madagascar

A short French-language video about the benefits of renewable energy and solar mini-grids in Madagascar is available below.

Our Partner: ANKA Madagascar

ANKA Madagascar develops and operates renewable energy projects that expand access to electricity and support local economic development. Through its partnership with atmosfair, the company is helping deliver solar mini-grids, electric cooking solutions and productive-use opportunities for rural communities across Madagascar.

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