![Solar energy is a big part of Madagascar’s electrification targets. The Energy Ministry is seeking bidders for 210 MW new PV capacity. (Illustrative Photo; Photo Credit: Douw de Jager/Shutterstock.com)](http://media.assettype.com/taiyangnews%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F07%2FPresentation1-17.png?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
The Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons in Madagascar is inviting interested companies for the development of 2 solar power projects with 210 MW combined capacity as it aims to accelerate the country's electrification process.
Applications submitted must be accompanied by a preliminary study report covering the nature and capacity of the planned installations and the expected investment.
Launched on July 11, 2023, the tender is open for submissions till August 9, 2023, stated the ministry on its Facebook account.
Around 80% of the local population in Madagascar resides in rural areas. The government aims to increase the rate of access to electricity from 15% to 50% by 2023. Solar PV, through large scale and solar kits, is a significant part of this solution.
In January 2023, Africa focused off-grid solar electrification company WeLight secured funding to be able to install solar mini-grids in over 120 villages (see African Off-Grid Solar Company Raises €19 Million Funding).