Switching to solar energy has allowed UNICEF to cut operating costs in its Madagascar offices, reducing carbon emissions and eliminating the use of diesel. Annually, its six solar-powered sites generate 34 MWh, saving 43,600 liters of diesel and preventing 117.27 tonnes of CO2 emissions—a financial savings of approximately $48,550.
Addressing Climate Change Effects
According to the 2021 Children’s Climate Risk Index Report, Madagascar is one of the ten countries where children are most at risk from climate hazards. In response, UNICEF Madagascar’s 2024-2028 Country Program is focused on climate change adaptation, with key objectives that include empowering communities, integrating green solutions, and prioritizing sustainability.
To help meet these goals, UNICEF Madagascar began transitioning its field offices to solar power in January 2023. This strategic move was driven by the need for reliable electricity, significant cost savings, and environmental benefits. Located in cities with unreliable power grids, the organization’s field offices frequently experienced daily outages lasting from 15 minutes to six hours, which forced a costly and environmentally detrimental reliance on diesel generators.
By adopting solar energy, UNICEF Madagascar ensures a continuous power supply while also demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility. This initiative aligns with its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33.75% by 2025 and 45% by 2030, and to source 40% of its electricity from renewables by 2025, rising to 80% by 2030.
Cutting Operational Costs With Solar
Using funding from the Greening and Accessibility Fund (GrAF), UNICEF Madagascar installed solar energy systems in four field offices, totaling 92.7 KWp of power and 155 KWh of battery capacity. This setup generates enough power for the daytime needs of 30 homes and uses 44 KVA inverters to run multiple office appliances simultaneously.
Image: Collected
Additionally, support from other funding sources helped install a solar energy system in a fifth field office, while a sixth has been powered by solar energy since 2021. This strategic shift to solar power enhances workplace efficiency and underscores UNICEF Madagascar’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The transition to solar has yielded significant benefits. By eliminating diesel fuel, the six solar-powered sites cut annual carbon emissions by 117.27 tonnes. They also generate 34 MWh of electricity, saving 43,600 liters of diesel—equivalent to approximately $48,550 in yearly fuel costs. This move cuts long-term operational expenses and reallocates funds to support children’s programs.
To maximize the solar systems’ efficiency, UNICEF encourages staff to adopt simple energy-saving habits, such as unplugging devices at the end of the day, keeping windows closed to optimize air conditioning, and staggering the use of high-power appliances to avoid overloading the system.
Supporting Education With Solar Solutions
The benefits of renewable energy extend beyond UNICEF’s operations. The UNICEF-supported Ambataria Secondary School, for instance, has improved learning conditions through similar renewable energy initiatives. This approach helps ensure essential services like child immunization programs and awareness campaigns can continue, even in areas with limited electricity access.
“Solar energy provides consistent power, so we can work without worrying about outages. Furthermore, this energy source is eco-friendly and allows us to both work and take care of the environment. Ideally, all regional offices would be equipped similarly,” said Misaina Rakotondratsima, Education Officer at the Fort-Dauphin Office.
UNICEF Madagascar’s solar transformation demonstrates the organization’s commitment to creating sustainable and resilient infrastructure for children’s services. This initiative enhances operational efficiency and serves as a model of environmental responsibility, setting a precedent for future endeavors.
