Togo opens renewable energy plant

The government of Togo has inaugurated one of the largest solar projects in West Africa and the first renewable energy facility in the country.

The 50 MW Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed solar power plant will provide electricity to nearly 160,000 homes and small businesses, reducing the country’s dependence on firewood, charcoal and fuel imports. 

The project will also advance the Togolese national clean energy strategy, which aims to increase the share of renewable electricity to 50% by 2025 and 100% by 2030.

‘Renewables are at the heart of our national energy goals and are a vital component of our broader social development and economic growth ambitions,’ says Mila Aziablé, Minister Delegate to the President of the Togolese Republic, in charge of Energy and Mines. 

With a population of over 8mn, Togo’s primary source of energy has traditionally been biomass, which contributes to harmful pollution and poor health outcomes.