Malawi is an emerging economy with a small, growing industrial base requiring a reliable and affordable source of energy. There are only 3 local energy sources – electricity (hydro and solar), biomass and coal. Imported energy is unfeasible as it would further increase the country’s export deficit.
Alarming rates of deforestation are affecting livelihoods, the environment and the economy. Wood is becoming a scarce and unsustainable resource.
Electricity is comparatively expensive and unreliable, as supply lags behind demand considerably. Despite new sources coming online, it will take many years to provide a reliable supply.
To mitigate some of these problems, coal can be considered a viable alternative in the interim.
By international comparison, Malawi uses a tiny amount of coal (both absolute and per capita). As such, contributions to carbon dioxide emissions and air quality in the country are negligible.
Despite the sometimes bad press, coal remains an important source of energy and will be for many years to come, until there is a truly global alternative. Coal still generates nearly 40% of the world’s electricity.