Electricity in Togo in 2023
In 2023, Togo's electricity consumption paints a picture of a country relying heavily on imports, with net imports reaching about 1.1 TWh. The per capita electricity consumption stands at 217 kWh, which is markedly lower than the global average of approximately 3813 kWh per person. The low-carbon electricity generation contributes only around 20 kWh per capita, signifying a minimal role when compared to fossil fuels. This reliance on dirty energy sources not only hinders sustainable development but also increases Togo's dependence on imports, limiting its potential for economic growth and contributing to pollution and climate change. The substantial gap between Togo's electricity consumption and the global average underscores the urgent need for the country to expand its electricity generation capabilities, particularly in the low-carbon sector, to better support electrification and future technological needs.
Is Electricity Growing in Togo?
Unfortunately, electricity generation in Togo has not been growing, presenting a worrying trend for its sustainable development. In 2023, electricity consumption declined slightly from the previous record set in 2014, dropping by approximately 7 kWh per person. Furthermore, the situation is even more concerning regarding low-carbon electricity, which saw a significant decrease compared to its peak in 1995, plunging by 37 kWh per person. This decline is a critical setback that undermines efforts toward achieving a green transition and hampers Togo's ability to meet future energy demands sustainably. The stagnation in electricity generation is alarming, emphasizing the urgent need for action and investment in clean energy sources to reverse this trend and pave the way for sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Togo can learn from countries like India and Brazil, which have successfully expanded their solar and wind power capacities respectively. India, generating 134 TWh from solar energy, demonstrates how investing in solar power can significantly boost electricity generation while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, Brazil's achievement of generating 108 TWh from wind energy showcases the potential of this sustainable resource in meeting energy demands. Togo, with its favorable climate conditions, is ideally positioned to adopt similar strategies by investing in solar infrastructure and harnessing wind potential. These efforts would not only increase clean electricity generation but also bolster energy independence, drive economic development, and address environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Togo has faced a fluctuating journey in low-carbon electricity generation, with a reliance primarily on hydroelectric power until recently. In the early 1990s, there were minor but persistent efforts to increase hydroelectric generation, with small annual changes ranging from 0.1 TWh increases to some setbacks of equal magnitude. Moving into the first decades of the 21st century, however, there were more pronounced declines, particularly notable between 2013 and 2019. Yet, a promising development in 2021 saw the advent of solar energy, contributing an additional 0.1 TWh. This marks a critical turning point, suggesting an openness to diversifying low-carbon energy sources. For Togo to robustly enhance its green energy portfolio, it should capitalize on the potential of solar energy and investigate opportunities for expanding nuclear capacity, leveraged by examining successes in countries with similar circumstances. Such steps could dramatically alter Togo's electricity landscape, fostering a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.