Malawi Electricity: Generation Mix, Demand and Emissions
Malawi generated 1.83 TWh of electricity in 2024, according to Ember. Hydro was the largest source at 92.4%, followed by other fossil (4.4%) and bioenergy (2.7%). Demand was 1.81 TWh and each kWh generated emitted 57 gCO2/kWh. These are annual statistics for 2024; they are compiled from national sources and are not real time.
Key Facts
- Malawi generated 1.83 TWh of electricity in 2024.
- Hydro supplied 92.4% of Malawi's electricity in 2024.
- Other fossil supplied 4.4% of Malawi's electricity in 2024.
- Bioenergy supplied 2.7% of Malawi's electricity in 2024.
- Low carbon sources (nuclear and renewables) supplied 95.6% of Malawi's generation in 2024.
- The carbon intensity of Malawi's electricity was 57 gCO2/kWh in 2024.
- Malawi's carbon intensity in 2024 was 42% lower than in 2000, when it was 98 gCO2/kWh.
- Malawi had the 153rd highest electricity demand among the 197 countries with Ember data for 2024.
Key Figures, 2024
| Measure | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| Total generation | 1.83 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Electricity demand | 1.81 TWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand per person | 0.08 MWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Net imports | -20.0 GWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Carbon intensity | 57 gCO2/kWh | 2024 · Ember |
| Power sector emissions | 0.10 MtCO2 | 2024 · Ember |
| Demand rank (countries with 2024 data) | 153 of 197 | 2024 · Ember |
Generation Mix, 2024
| Source | Generation | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Hydro | 1.69 TWh | 92.4% |
| Other fossil | 80.0 GWh | 4.4% |
| Bioenergy | 50.0 GWh | 2.7% |
| Solar | 10.0 GWh | 0.6% |
Year by Year
Ember annual statistics, 2000 to 2024| Year | Hydro | Other fossil | Bioenergy | Solar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 1.02 TWh | 120 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2001 | 1.04 TWh | 110 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2002 | 1.09 TWh | 120 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2003 | 1.14 TWh | 100 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2004 | 1.26 TWh | 140 GWh | 70.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2005 | 1.31 TWh | 160 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2006 | 1.34 TWh | 170 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2007 | 1.37 TWh | 150 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2008 | 1.52 TWh | 120 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2009 | 1.49 TWh | 120 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2010 | 1.74 TWh | 120 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2011 | 1.79 TWh | 120 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 0 TWh |
| 2012 | 1.86 TWh | 130 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2013 | 1.86 TWh | 130 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2014 | 1.97 TWh | 120 GWh | 60.0 GWh | 20.0 GWh |
| 2015 | 1.96 TWh | 130 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 30.0 GWh |
| 2016 | 1.94 TWh | 130 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 30.0 GWh |
| 2017 | 1.82 TWh | 0 TWh | 50.0 GWh | 40.0 GWh |
| 2018 | 1.42 TWh | 330 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2019 | 1.67 TWh | 70.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2020 | 1.68 TWh | 10.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2021 | 1.69 TWh | 80.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2022 | 1.69 TWh | 80.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2023 | 1.69 TWh | 80.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| 2024 | 1.69 TWh | 80.0 GWh | 50.0 GWh | 10.0 GWh |
| Year | Generation | Demand | Carbon intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1.83 TWh | 1.81 TWh | 57 gCO2/kWh |
| 2023 | 1.83 TWh | 1.81 TWh | 57 gCO2/kWh |
| 2022 | 1.83 TWh | 1.81 TWh | 57 gCO2/kWh |
| 2021 | 1.83 TWh | 1.81 TWh | 57 gCO2/kWh |
| 2020 | 1.75 TWh | 1.73 TWh | 33 gCO2/kWh |
| 2019 | 1.80 TWh | 1.78 TWh | 54 gCO2/kWh |
| 2018 | 1.81 TWh | 1.79 TWh | 145 gCO2/kWh |
| 2017 | 1.91 TWh | 1.89 TWh | 29 gCO2/kWh |
| 2016 | 2.15 TWh | 2.13 TWh | 67 gCO2/kWh |
| 2015 | 2.17 TWh | 2.15 TWh | 66 gCO2/kWh |
Full year by year history for Malawi, 2000 to 2024
Source: Ember (ember-energy.org), licensed under CC BY 4.0. Data as of 2024.
Malawi Electricity FAQ
What is the main source of electricity in Malawi?
Hydro was the largest source of electricity in Malawi in 2024, supplying 92.4% of generation, followed by other fossil (4.4%) and bioenergy (2.7%). Figures are Ember annual statistics.
How much electricity does Malawi use?
Malawi used 1.81 TWh of electricity in 2024, about 0.08 MWh per person.
How clean is Malawi's electricity?
Generating a kilowatt hour of electricity in Malawi emitted 57 gCO2/kWh in 2024, and low carbon sources supplied 95.6% of generation. That is 88% below the world average of 472 gCO2/kWh.
Does Malawi import electricity?
No. Malawi was a net exporter in 2024, exporting 20.0 GWh more than it imported.