Electricity in Togo in 2023
Togo's current state of electricity consumption is notably low compared to the global average. With more than 1 TWh of net electricity imports, the country's total electricity consumption is 217 kWh per person. This is considerably lower than the global average of 3,781 kWh per person, indicating that the average Togolese has access to only a fraction of the electricity enjoyed by people in many other countries. Low-carbon energy constitutes a small portion of this generation, totaling just 20 kWh per person. Reliance on fossil fuels continues to contribute to air pollution and climate change, particularly in regions that lack significant clean energy infrastructure. The low levels of electricity generation in Togo can deter economic growth and limit improvements in quality of life, as dependable electric power is crucial for education, healthcare, and industrial activities.
Is Electricity Growing in Togo?
Unfortunately, electricity consumption in Togo has not seen significant growth over recent years. The latest figures for 2023, which show a consumption rate of 217 kWh per person, signify a decline from the 224 kWh per person recorded in 2014, a reduction of 7 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased substantially since 1995, when it was 58 kWh per person, to the current level of 20 kWh per person, a drop of 37 kWh per person. These reductions signal stagnation in the advancement of Togo's clean energy infrastructure, hinting at a need for more aggressive investments and policy changes to reverse this trend and expand the country's green energy capacities.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Togo can look to successful regions worldwide that have already expanded their clean energy infrastructure. For instance, China and the United States have made massive strides in solar and wind energy generation, offering Togo a close model for solar energy expansions. With China reaching over 1,000 TWh in solar electricity generation and Texas leading among states with its wind energy production, Togo can leverage its sunny climate and explore utility-scale solar and potentially wind energy projects. Additionally, the establishment of nuclear energy facilities should be considered as a long-term strategy to provide a stable and reliable clean energy supply to meet future demands, learning from countries like France and the United States that benefit immensely from nuclear power.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Togo over the past few decades indicates fluctuating patterns primarily revolving around hydroelectric power. In the early 1990s, Togo saw minor but consistent increases in hydroelectric generation, alternating between slight rises and falls of 0.1 TWh. From 1995 onwards, the generation became more unpredictable, with periods of decline noted between 1997 and 1999 and again in the early 2000s. There were minimal improvements in subsequent years, with brief upticks such as in 2016 and 2018, countered by corresponding declines. However, a more positive development occurred in 2021 with the introduction of solar energy contributing a modest 0.1 TWh. This signifies the initiation of diversifying electricity sources towards more reliable low-carbon options, though the expansion needs to continue robustly to meet modern demands and to align with global clean energy initiatives.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.