As of 2023, Togo’s total installed solar panel production capacity is approximately 57 MW. This is primarily due to the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed solar photovoltaic plant in Blitta, which has a capacity of 50 MW and is one of the largest Togo solar project in West Africa.⁷

Additionally, Togo has several mini solar power plants with a total production capacity of 600 kWp.⁸

By 2030, Togo is projected to significantly increase its solar panel production capacity to 200 MW. This expansion is part of the government’s strategy to achieve universal access to electricity and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.⁷

Key projects include the upcoming 64 MW solar PV plant in Sokodé, which will provide clean, renewable energy to more than 700,000 people who currently have limited access to electricity.

Natural gas is the dominant source, generating about 65% of Togo’s electricity. The cost of electricity generated from natural gas in Togo is approximately 171.36 $/MWh as of 2022. This is a decrease from 192.7 $/MWh in 2021.⁹

No specific cost data provided for hydro, solar and wind sources.

• Natural gas: 65.7%
• Hydropower: 19.3%
• Oil: 7.9%
• Solar Power: 6.7%
• Wind Power: less than 1%
• Biofuels: less than 1%¹⁰

The average daily availability of electricity from the national grid in Togo is approximately 12 hours.¹¹

Main reasons for the limited daily availability of electricity in Togo are due to infrastructure deficiencies (particularly in rural areas where electrification is only about 8% compared to 88.8% in urban areas), a heavy reliance on imported electricity leading to supply inconsistencies, and system losses within the distribution network causing frequent power cuts and unreliable service, with Togo solar panel solutions being explored to address these challenges.¹²

There are approximately 110,000 solar kits installed by 2021 thanks to the initiative to provide off-grid solar solutions to rural households.⁹

The number of residential solar panel installations in Togo is projected to reach 555,000 solar kits by 2030 as part of the government’s electrification strategy.¹³

There are currently 2 large-scale and several mini solar power plants in Togo:

• The Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed solar power plant in Blitta, expanding from 50MW to 70MW capacity, includes a battery energy storage system, and features 127,344 solar panels.⁷
• A new 25MW solar farm with a 40MWh battery in Dapaong, part of the RESPITE project, is out for international tender and expected to be completed in 12-16 months.¹¹
• Mini solar power plants in Bavou (Ogou), Assoukoko (Blitta), Takpapiéni (Oti-Sud), and Koutoum (Bassar) have total production capacity of 600 kWp.¹⁴

The off-grid solar market demand in Togo is significant, with both current and projected components:⁹¹¹

• As of 2021, approximately 110,000 solar kits were installed in rural areas.
• By 2023, it was estimated that 366,354 households will be suitable for stand-alone systems, decreasing to 213,086 households by 2030 as grid connections expand.
• The Togolese government is actively promoting off-grid solar solutions, including subsidies to reduce upfront costs for households, aiming to electrify 555,000 households by 2030.
• The Plateau region remains the most important market in terms of number and concentration of off-grid households through 2030.

The current on-grid solar capacity in Togo is approximately 57 MW, including the 50 MW Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed solar power plant in Blitta, which is currently the largest solar farm in West Africa.⁷¹⁵¹⁶

The government aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the electricity mix to 50% by 2025, with a target of 200 MW total capacity by 2030. Notable upcoming on-grid solar projects include:

• A 25 MW solar farm in Dapaong, which is expected to be operational within 12-16 months from mid-2024.
• A 64 MW solar power plant in Sokodé, set to begin construction in mid-2024, which aims to provide electricity to over 700,000 people.

• Average monthly salary in Togo overall ranges from around $100 to $250.¹⁷
• Solar Energy Systems Engineers: the average monthly salary is approximately $919.¹⁸
• Solar Energy Installation Manager: the average monthly salary is approximately $1,344.¹⁹

The current population of Togo is 9,275,379.²⁰

Estimate for Factory Rent

The prices for development land typically range from 500 to 5,000 $/m2, depending on the location and type of land (specific rent costs are not available).²¹

Industrial Electricity Rates

The average wholesale electricity price in Togo is approximately $171.36 per MWh as of 2022.⁴

Water Costs

The average cost of industrial water per cubic meter in Lomé, Togo, is approximately $0.65 per cubic meter.²²

Salaries and Wages

Workers of solar industry in Togo averagely earn between $919 and $1,344 monthly, depending on the position.¹⁷¹⁸

Rent for Office Space

In Lomé, the capital of Togo, commercial space is available for rent at prices starting from around 2.75 $/m2 per month, although the size and specific features of the property can influence the price significantly.²³

Insurance

The average spending per capita in the property insurance market in Togo is estimated to amount to $26.75 in 2024.²⁴

³⁵²⁵

Electricity Generation

• Togo’s installed electricity generation capacity is around 400 MW, comprising hydroelectric, thermal, and solar power plants.
• Primary Sources:
  • Hydropower: The Nangbeto Dam is a significant hydropower source, providing a substantial portion of domestic electricity.
  • Thermal Power: Thermal plants, such as the Lomé thermal power station, contribute to the energy mix using heavy fuel oil and natural gas.
  • Solar Power: Solar energy is increasingly utilized, with projects like the 50 MW Blitta solar plant.

Transmission and Distribution

• Togo has a national grid managed by the Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET). The grid infrastructure is aging and relatively underdeveloped, with ongoing efforts to improve reliability and coverage.
• The government is working towards increasing rural electrification through initiatives like the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Agency (AT2ER).

Imports and Exports

• Togo imports a significant portion of its electricity, particularly from neighboring Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. The interconnection with these countries helps meet domestic demand and manage shortfalls.

Energy Policy and Development

• The Togolese government has implemented policies to enhance energy security and promote renewable energy. The National Electrification Strategy aims to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030.
• Togo is investing in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependency on imports.

²⁶²⁷²⁸

Legal and Institutional Structure: The Togolese government has established legal regulations governing the installation, equipment, and materials necessary for solar energy production. The Ministry of Energy and Mines plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of solar projects.

Scaling Solar Initiative: Togo is part of the Scaling Solar program, which aims to facilitate the development of grid-connected solar projects through a streamlined process that includes legal, regulatory, and technical support.

Subsidies for Off-Grid Systems: Since March 2019, the government has offered subsidies to households for off-grid solar power systems. This initiative is designed to reduce the high upfront costs associated with solar installations, thereby increasing the adoption of solar home systems (SHS).

Public-Private Partnerships: The government collaborates with private companies to implement solar projects. For instance, companies like BBOXX and Soleva have signed agreements to electrify thousands of households using solar kits, supported by government-issued vouchers to finance these systems.

Monitoring and Management: To ensure the sustainability and optimal operation of solar mini power plants, the government has engaged KYA-Energy Group to assist in managing these systems.

Community Involvement: Local associations and groups, such as GREAT and RePER, are involved in promoting renewable energy and supporting community electrification projects. Although their participation in the national strategy is limited, they play a role in advocating for energy access and sustainability.

⁹²⁶²⁹

CIZO Program

Launched in 2017, the CIZO program is a major initiative aimed at increasing electricity access in rural areas through off-grid solar solutions. The program plans to deploy 555,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS), 300 mini-grids, and 400,000 on-grid connections by 2030, with the goal of achieving universal electrification.

The CIZO program includes a subsidy scheme that helps households afford solar installations. This is particularly beneficial for low-income populations, allowing them to access electricity through affordable pay-as-you-go models offered by authorized solar companies.

Scaling Solar Initiative

Togo is part of the Scaling Solar initiative, which involves collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to develop grid-connected solar projects. This initiative aims to construct two solar plants with a cumulative capacity of 60 to 80 MW.

Investments in infrastructure

The government has initiated the construction of a 50 MW solar power plant in Blitta, which is expected to improve the overall quality of the national electricity supply. This project is being developed in phases, with the first phase already operational.

In addition to large-scale projects, Togo is also investing in mini-grids and off-grid solar systems to reach remote areas. The government has secured funding from regional development banks to support the installation of mini-grids, and solar system installers in Togo are playing a crucial role in electrifying communities that are not connected to the national grid.

International Support and Financing

Togo has engaged with various international partners and development finance institutions to secure funding for solar initiatives. For instance, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has provided a line of credit to support private sector green projects, including solar energy initiatives.

The European Union has also been involved in supporting feasibility studies for mini-grids, contributing to the overall strategy to enhance renewable energy access in Togo.

^8303132

Current Projects

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Solar Power Plant

• Capacity: 50 MW
• Location: Blitta, Togo
• Details: Inaugurated in June 2021, this plant is one of the largest solar installations in West Africa. It provides electricity to approximately 160,000 homes and small businesses, significantly reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. The project was financed through the IRENA-ADFD Project Facility and has created over 700 jobs during construction and 120 jobs during operation.

Sokodé Solar Power Plant

• Capacity: 64 MW
• Location: Sokodé, central Togo
• Details: Meridiam has signed a 25-year concession agreement to design, construct, finance, and operate this plant, which is expected to start construction in mid-2024. It aims to provide clean energy to over 700,000 people and will create more than 200 local jobs. The project aligns with Togo’s goal of universal energy access by 2030 and aims to avoid over 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime.

Projected Projects

Scaling Solar Initiative

• Capacity: 60-90 MW
• Details: Togo is seeking private investors for the development of additional grid-connected solar PV installations under the Scaling Solar program. This initiative is part of the government’s broader electrification strategy to increase renewable energy capacity and reduce energy costs. The project aims to enhance the country’s energy mix and improve reliability.

Dapaong Solar Power Plant

• Capacity: 25 MW
• Location: Dapaong, northern Togo
• Details: Announced under the Regional Urgent Intervention Project in the Solar Energy Sector (RESPITE), this project includes a 40 MWh battery storage system. It aims to provide electricity to at least 60 localities in the Savanes region. The project is currently in the tendering phase, with significant funding from the International Development Association (IDA) to support its development.

AMEA Power

• Headquarter: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Website:https://ameapower.com/
• Notable Project: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Solar Power Plant (50 MW) located in Blitta, Togo. It is one of the largest solar projects in West Africa and aims to supply clean energy to over 600,000 Togolese homes.

Meridiam

• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Website: https://www.meridiam.com/
• Notable Project: 64 MW solar power plant in Sokodé, under a 25-year concession agreement with the Togolese government. The Kékéli plant enhances Togo’s energy mix and reliability, indirectly supporting the country’s renewable energy goals.

Urbis Foundation

• Headquarters: Germany
• Website: https://www.urbis-foundation.de/en/
• Notable Project: Urbis Foundation focuses on solar electrification of schools in rural Togo. The initiative aims to provide clean and reliable electricity to educational institutions, enhancing the learning environment and promoting renewable energy education. Installed the first grid-connected solar PV plant on the roof of the headquarters of the state-owned power utility company CEB in Lomé.

BBOXX

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Website: https://www.bboxx.com/
• Notable Project: Broxx installs solar systems for communities and small businesses in Togo and has agreements with the Togolese government to electrify households. These projects help to improve local energy access and support economic development through sustainable energy solutions.

Soleva

• Headquarters: Togo
• Website: https://www.soleva.tg/
• Notable Project: Soleva is working on implementing solar mini-grids in rural areas of Togo, in partnership with the Togolese government. These mini-grids are designed to provide reliable electricity to off-grid communities, significantly improving their access to energy.

Suntec Togo SARL

• Headquarters: Togo
• Website: https://suntec-togo.com/
• Details: Suntec Togo SARL specializes in providing solar home systems to households in Togo. Known for being a leading EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and O&M (Operations and Maintenance) service provider in Togo.

KYA Energy Group

• Headquarters: Togo
• Website:https://www.kya-energy.com/
• Details: KYA Energy Group designed the KYA-Energy Box, a modular solar energy system. It provides reliable and scalable solar power solutions for both residential and commercial use in Togo.

Mpower Africa

• Headquarters: Togo
• Website: https://www.mpower.africa/
• Details: M Power Africa provides pay-as-you-go solar solutions, allowing households in Togo to access solar energy through a flexible payment model. This approach makes solar power more accessible and affordable for low-income families.

EGEN Togo

• Headquarters: Togo
• Website: https://www.egenttogo.com/
• Details: EGEN Togo focuses on solar water pumping systems for agriculture and rural communities. Their projects aim to improve water access and agricultural productivity through sustainable energy solutions, supporting rural development in Togo.