Dependence of the efficiency of electrification by autonomous solar power plant on socio-economic and energy characteristics: case of the rural Communes of Mahavelona-Itasy Region and Mahasolo- Bongolava Region

Rural électrification, Carbon emission

Rural electrification remains a major challenge for developing countries, particularly in Madagascar, where over 75% of the population lacks access to electricity. A field survey conducted in the rural communes of Mahavelona (Itasy) and Mahasolo (Bongolava) characterized 775 households, public institutions, and economic units based on their energy consumption, ability to pay, and daily uses. Both communes share similar socio-professional categories but differ in the scale of heavy consumers. Mahavelona has 8 rice husker households and 4 welders, while Mahasolo counts 15 huskers and 20 welders. At the initial stage (T0), CO₂ emissions were estimated at 684 t/year in Mahavelona and 3,314 t/year in Mahasolo. The introduction of solar mini-grids reshaped their energy dynamics. In Mahavelona, 251 connection requests were registered, with a first-phase peak power of 118.5 kWp, giving 80% of households access to sustainable electricity. Four huskers shifted from diesel to solar power, and all 8 welders (including 5 new ones) were connected. In Mahasolo, 519 connections were recorded, representing 148 kWp. Ten huskers and thirteen welders now operate with solar power, while the remaining seven welders continue using diesel. The analysis highlights contrasting results in CO₂ emissions reduction. In Mahavelona, emissions decreased by 11%, a significant impact linked to lower overall demand and fewer SMEs (12 in total). In Mahasolo, the reduction reached only 1%, due to its higher initial consumption driven by 35 income-generating activities among 1,154 households. These findings emphasize the crucial role of local economic structures in determining the environmental benefits of rural electrification projects.

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