Electricity in Togo in 2023
In Togo, the current state of electricity consumption reveals a significant reliance on imports, with figures showing an intake of 1.1 TWh. Local electricity consumption stands at 217 kWh per person, which is substantially below the global average of 3649 kWh per person. This low level of electricity generation can have several adverse effects, such as limiting economic development, hindering technological advancement, and reducing the quality of life for residents. Despite the availability of local natural resources, Togo's reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Enhancing the capacity for low-carbon or clean energy, which presently remains insufficient, is crucial for Togo's sustainable growth.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Togo?
The data indicates that there is a slight decline in electricity growth within Togo, as the current consumption has decreased by 7 kWh/person since the 2014 peak of 224 kWh/person. Furthermore, clean electricity shows a concerning trend, seeing a decline from a record of 58 kWh/person in 1995 to just 20 kWh/person today. This drop of 37 kWh/person reflects challenges in maintaining and expanding green energy infrastructure. Such stagnation hampers both electrification efforts and the broader drive towards sustainable development. The declines signal a pressing need for revitalized strategies to meet growing electricity demands in tandem with worldwide advancements.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Togo can learn from countries that excel in implementing solar and nuclear energy solutions. Regions like the People's Republic of China and India have effectively leveraged solar power, generating 1117 TWh and 157 TWh respectively, by deploying vast solar farms. Similarly, for nuclear energy, countries like France, producing 369 TWh, and Illinois in the United States, generating 99 TWh, demonstrate the scalable benefits of nuclear as a reliable energy source. By developing a cohesive strategy that incorporates both solar and nuclear, Togo can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change effects, and enhance energy security.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Togo, primarily through hydropower, reflects instability. During the early 1990s, electricity generation saw modest increases of 0.1 TWh annually, with occasional declines. The late 1990s and early 2000s continued this fluctuation, presenting challenges in establishing a consistent flow of low-carbon electricity. By 2019, hydro output rose slightly by 0.2 TWh but declined again the subsequent year. Complementing hydro with solar, as demonstrated by the minor addition of 0.1 TWh in 2021, signifies a new opportunity for clean energy growth. However, there remains a critical need for persistent efforts in infrastructure investment and policy support to foster a stable and sustainable electricity supply.
