Reducing Jirama’s Financial Burden

In a special broadcast on public television, the President of the Republic announced that rolling blackouts should no longer occur by next year, pointing to various initiatives, particularly the creation of solar parks.

Solar energy is expected to be the solution. This was the main takeaway from President Andry Rajoelina’s interview, where he emphasized the urgency of addressing the energy crisis. Concluding on an optimistic note, he asserted, « Thanks to the investments we have made and will continue to make, we expect no more power outages next year ».

The President’s primary focus was on projects to establish solar parks. « We have already allocated resources for solar panel installations. These have arrived at the port of Toamasina and should have been set up months ago. However, successive ministers have not shown efficiency. Now, their installation is an absolute priority », he stated.

Earlier this year, the President oversaw the arrival of these installations at the port of Toamasina. According to his plans, 20 of the 50 megawatts awaiting installation will be dedicated to the Antananarivo Interconnected Network (RIA). Initially, this solar capacity will help alleviate the financial strain of relying heavily on thermal generators.

The accelerated energy transition aims to reduce Jirama’s and the State’s expenses and stabilize the utility’s finances until new hydropower plants are operational. However, thermal power plants will still be necessary as a backup against unforeseen climate impacts.

Currently, Jirama leases thermal generators that power the RIA from private entities. These generators produce approximately 124 megawatts and cost the State 160 million USD annually in leasing fees. To reduce this dependency, the government has decided to purchase 105 megawatts of thermal generators for Jirama.