In 2022, Togo's electricity consumption per person was significantly below the global average of 3638 watts per person, indicating a reliance on limited and perhaps less efficient sources. More than half of Togo's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, resulting in environmental concerns such as air pollution and contributing to climate change. A minimal portion comes from low-carbon sources, like hydroelectric power. This limited electricity generation poses challenges including hindering economic growth, limiting access to modern healthcare and education, and impacting the quality of life for many Togolese people.
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Togo can consider expanding its use of solar and wind energy, while also exploring opportunities to introduce nuclear power. Learning from countries like Brazil, which generates significant electricity from wind power, Togo can create policies that support the development of such infrastructure. Similarly, India’s successful investment in solar energy provides a model that Togo could follow, leveraging its abundant sunlight to provide sustainable and clean energy solutions. Moreover, investing in nuclear energy, as seen in countries like South Korea and France, would ensure a stable and substantial increase in the electricity supply without the environmental harms associated with fossil fuels.
Historically, Togo’s low-carbon electricity generation has been modest and fluctuating, primarily centered around hydroelectric power. In the late 20th century and early 21st century, Togo saw minor incremental changes, with slight increases and decreases in hydroelectric output between 1990 and 2001, and again from 2013 onwards. The introduction of solar energy in 2021 marked a pivotal point, albeit with no significant increase initially. The data suggests that while there have been efforts to establish low-carbon sources, consistent and substantial development has not yet been achieved, offering an opportunity for more decisive implementation of clean energy technologies.