The Hydraulic Power is currently useful in Madagascar

Madagascar is an island with mountainous reliefs and important streams. It suggests a high potential for hydraulic power.

Types of hydraulic power stations

The hydroelectric plant can be classified into three types according to the production, their dimensions and powers.

Depending on the production method, the following are distinguished:

•  gravity plants, whose water supplies are made by simple gravity
•  Pumping power stations (Step), whose water supply is pumped electrically
• Tidal power stations, which use tidal currents

Depending on the dimensions and powers, there are:

• Large hydroelectric power stations, with a power of more than 10MW
•  Small hydroelectric power stations  subdivided into:

-        Small power plants from 2MW to 10 MW

-         Mini-power from 500KW to 2MW

-         Microcentrals 50 KW to 500KW

-         Pico-less than 50KW

Law on Energy in Madagascar

Law N°98-032 stipulates the regulations and the various conditions concerning the production of Energy. According to this law, only JIRAMA (the national society of electricity and water) can carry out the production, transport and distribution of energies. Thus, any private person wishing to produce Energy more than 150kW, distributor must have a prior authorization or a concession by the Ministry of Energy.

Hydraulic potential in Madagascar

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines in 2010, Madagascar has a hydraulic potential of 7 800MW. According to theoretical studies, the region with high potential is the region of Analamanga with a potentiality of 595.99MW and 20 exploitable sites. But currently, the hydroelectric provisions represent 162MW of which 23 MW owned by private operators and 139 MW for JIRAMA.

According to the National Energy Policy, in 2030, 75% of the energies come from the hydraulics. Given that the country has substantial water resources that could supply low-cost networks and mini-grids. So to extend electrical networks, hydraulic power is the solution.