Season 3 episode 6 - Sunrise in Madagascar
For the sixth episode of our program The Roads to Carbon Neutral, we're off to Madagascar with Toki and Holi, to find out how we're providing ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable electricity thanks to the sun.
Toki Razanakolona, Solar Sales Manager: A coffee for you.
Holi Samimamy, Solar Construction Manager: Thank you.
Toki Razanakolona: We have a big day today and the sun is shining for us.
Holi Samimamy: Honestly, Madagascar is a magnificent island, famous for its tropical forests and endemic animals.
Toki Razanakolona: Yes, but in Madagascar, only 25% of the population has access to electricity. And even then, grid quality is unreliable.
Holi Samimamy: Madagascar is one of the sunniest countries in the world, and that's why solar energy is an effective alternative.
Toki Razanakolona: And thanks to solar energy, we're able to contribute to the electrification of Madagascar, which also helps to improve the living conditions of the population. Here in Madagascar, we’ve been promoting the use of solar power for several years now.
Holi Samimamy: Some of the places we go to are surprising.
Josia Rahagananandrasana, Factory Superviso: It is important to note that our chocolate is 100% made in Madagascar. Our cocoa comes from the Sambirano valley and the Ambanja region. It takes us around five days to create each flavour of chocolate in the factory.
Toki Razanakolona: We listen to our customers, their expectations and their needs and how we can best help them. And then there's Holi, our expertwho comes in to make sure that solar panels are perfectly installed and working at full capacity.
Holi Samimamy: At the end of the installation, 50% of the Menakao plant's energy needs will be covered by solar power.
Toki Razanakolona: Solar energy can also offer new opportunities for future generations.
Holi Samimamy: Good morning, everybody.
Toki Razanakolona: Good morning.
Holi Samimamy: More food?
Toki Razanakolona: Fortunately, I still have room in my tummy. The École de Felix Foundation is an institute of culinary excellence for young people in vulnerable situations to receive free training that is recognized by the State of Madagascar.
Lalatiana Randrihnasolo, Culinary Instructor: The training lasts ten months, and often, right away ends with a job.
Candy Nomeniavo: I learned all about cooking here. I could be a saleswoman or open a pastry shop or work for a company. There are many possibilities.
Toki Razanakolona: Thanks to the solar installation, they can now keep food fresh for over 15 days, and also guarantee continuity of teaching even in the event of a power outage.
Holi Samimamy: Access to energy is improving. We are seeing more and more investment in renewable solutions such as hydropower and, of course, solar power.
Toki Razanakolona: We are proud that our work is contributing to this transition.
Holi Samimamy: A large part of the population has no access to electricity. Here, solar energy has a simple but effective impact.
Toki Razanakolona: Solar "Sunshine" lamps are efficient, safer, less dangerous and less polluting than oil lamps and candles.
Holi Samimamy: Are you satisfied with your solar installation?
Street vendor: Yes, the light allows me to work at night and receive lots of customers.
Holi Samimamy: Even the smallest sunshine lamps are far brighter.
Toki Razanakolona: Madagascar has great challenges ahead, but we are also blessed with the greatest resource of all - the sun.
Holi Samimamy: Our country is beautiful. I hope that Toki and I, in our small way, can help protect it and facilitate access to cleaner energy.