Electricity in Togo in 2023
In Togo, the current state of electricity consumption is characterized by a reliance on low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon electricity generation is nearly negligible, standing at much less than a tenth of total electricity use per capita. This includes contributions from hydroelectricity and a modest amount from solar energy. In contrast, the rest of Togo's electricity consumption is heavily supplemented through net imports, indicating a limited capacity for domestic fossil fuel energy production. On a global scale, Togo's total electricity consumption is startlingly low at 217 kWh/person, especially when compared to the global average of 3781 kWh/person. Such low levels of domestic electricity generation can hamper economic development, leaving the country vulnerable to energy supply disruptions and potentially stunting technological and infrastructural advancements.
Is Electricity Growing in Togo?
The trajectory of electricity generation in Togo is not encouraging, as the data shows a decline in both total and low-carbon electricity generation. With current electricity consumption at 217 kWh/person, it has decreased from the previous high of 224 kWh/person in 2014. This drop of 7 kWh/person underscores the challenge Togo faces in meeting even its modest energy demands. Low-carbon electricity generation has experienced a more significant decline, decreasing by 37 kWh/person from its peak in 1995. The lowering of low-carbon electricity output is concerning, especially when global trends emphasize the importance of sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce fossil fuel dependency.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Togo can draw inspiration from successful regions that have significantly boosted their clean energy sectors. The experience of countries like China and states like Texas demonstrates the massive potential of solar and wind energy, both of which can be exploited in Togo’s sunny climate. Emulating China's approach to solar energy, which generates 890 TWh, could transform Togo's solar capacity into a significant clean energy contributor. Moreover, nuclear energy, as evidenced by countries like France and states such as Illinois, offers another pillar for sustainable energy development. These models indicate that with strategic investments in solar and nuclear energy, Togo can increase its resilience, energy independence, and contribution to global climate goals.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Togo, primarily through hydroelectric sources, has been marked by small-scale fluctuations. During the early 1990s, there were minor gains and losses barely affecting growth in sustainable energy. Between 2013 and 2019, the hydroelectric sector continued to see minor swings, failing to provide a stable or substantial increase in electricity generation. Thankfully, a positive shift began in 2021 with the introduction of solar energy, promising a diversification of low-carbon sources that had previously seen little to no growth. However, for Togo to achieve a meaningful transformation in its electricity sector, further investment and development in sustainable energy technologies, especially solar, must be aggressively pursued.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.