Groupe Filatex Commissions First Solar PV Plant To Accelerate Madagascar’s Clean Energy Transition

Groupe Filatex has taken an important step in Madagascar’s clean energy journey by commissioning its first solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. This development is part of the company’s larger plan to install 50 MW of solar power across the country in partnership with Canadian developer Dera Energy. The initiative reflects a clear shift away from the long-standing dependence on heavy fuel oil (HFO) and aims to provide cleaner and more affordable electricity to people in Madagascar.

The newly operational solar capacity is part of a wider rollout planned across several key cities, including Mahajanga, Toliara, Antsiranana, and Toamasina. These locations have been selected to improve energy access in major urban centers while supporting the country’s broader electrification goals. A key feature of the project is the use of hybrid energy systems. By combining solar power with existing thermal power plants, the system ensures a more stable and continuous electricity supply. This approach helps manage the intermittent nature of solar energy while maintaining reliability through conventional sources.

The hybrid model is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower the overall cost of electricity production. This will benefit the national utility company, Jirama, and ultimately help reduce the financial burden on consumers. In addition to traditional ground-mounted solar installations, the project also includes innovative mobile solar units. These are containerized and pre-wired systems that can be deployed quickly in different locations.

These mobile units are particularly useful in remote or rural areas where access to the national grid is limited or unavailable. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and can also serve as emergency power solutions when needed. This flexibility is important for Madagascar, where a large portion of the population still lacks reliable electricity. Through a mix of large-scale solar plants and mobile systems, the project aims to reach more than one million households.

Groupe Filatex has been active in Madagascar’s energy sector for over ten years, mainly focusing on fossil fuel-based power generation. However, the company is now shifting its strategy toward renewable energy to support the government’s goal of increasing electricity access to 70 percent of the population by 2030. At present, only about 25 percent of the population has reliable electricity.

With significant investments and support from international financial institutions, this solar initiative is expected to play a key role in addressing the country’s energy challenges. It also highlights Madagascar’s potential to become a growing player in the renewable energy sector in East Africa, while promoting sustainable and long-term development.