Electricity in Togo in 2023
The current state of electricity consumption in Togo, as of 2023, shows a country largely dependent on fossil energy sources. With net imports accounting for 1.1 TWh, the reliance on externally sourced electricity underscores a vulnerability in domestic production capabilities. When it comes to low-carbon electricity generation within Togo, the figures are comparatively modest, with only 20 kWh per person. This is in stark contrast to the global average of electricity consumption, which stands at a significant 3658 kWh per person. Such a low level of electricity generation and consumption can lead to challenges, including limited industrial growth, reduced economic opportunities, and constrained development of electrification of transport and AI technologies that are pivotal for modernization and economic advancement.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Togo?
Assessing the trends, one observes a worrying stagnation in electricity consumption in Togo. In 2023, the per capita electricity consumption is recorded at 217 kWh, a slight decrease from the historic record of 224 kWh per person in 2014, reflecting a trend of slight decline rather than growth over recent years. Even more concerning is the state of low-carbon electricity generation, which has descended from its peak of 58 kWh per person in 1995 down to just 20 kWh per person. This significant reduction indicates that Togo's electricity supply is becoming more dependent on high-carbon sources, countering global movements toward cleaner energy practices and potentially exacerbating challenges related to climate change and local air quality.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Togo can look to successful examples globally. The People's Republic of China has achieved remarkable advancements in both solar and wind energy, generating 1170 TWh and 1130 TWh respectively. Adopting solar energy as Brazil has done with 69 TWh of solar electricity could be particularly viable given similar geographical advantages. Additionally, nuclear energy as deployed by France with 371 TWh can provide reliable base-load electricity, which is vital for supporting industrial activities. By investing in solar and nuclear energy, Togo can embark on building a sustainable electricity infrastructure that meets both present and future demands, ultimately leading to improved economic prosperity and quality of life for its people.
History
Historically, Togo's low-carbon electricity generation has largely relied on hydroelectric power. From 1990 to 1995, there were marginal yearly fluctuations with minor increases and decreases each year. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the fluctuations continued with marginal reductions and occasional stagnation in hydro output. The most notable point of advancement in recent years was in 2021, with a small yet significant increase in solar power generation by 0.1 TWh. While the overall history of low-carbon electricity in Togo demonstrates minimal expansion, this reflects an opportunity to embrace proven technologies such as nuclear and solar, capable of delivering robust and reliable clean energy to meet Togo's growing electricity needs and facilitate a cleaner energy transition for the future.
