Togo's Solar Leap: €26.5M Boost for Green Energy

• Empowering Togo: A €61M solar project lights up Sokodé, boosting renewable energy and cutting CO₂ emissions by 13.6K tons annually.

The African Development Bank Group has approved a €26.5 million financing package to support the construction of a 62 MW solar power plant in Sokodé, Togo. The funding includes an €18.5 million loan from the African Development Bank and an €8 million concessional loan from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. PROPACO, a French development finance agency, will provide additional co-financing, making the €61 million project a model of public-private collaboration. The project aims to help Togo achieve its goal of 200 MWp renewable energy capacity by 2030, enhancing energy security and reliability while reducing reliance on thermal generation.

Developed by Meridiam and Électricité de France, the project involves the design, construction, and operation of the solar plant and an 11 km transmission line. It is expected to generate 87 GWh of electricity annually, providing clean, reliable power and reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 13.6 thousand tons. The project supports Togo's M300 energy compact and aligns with the African Development Bank Group’s “Light Up and Power Africa” initiative. It underscores the viability of renewable energy and aims to stimulate local economic growth and further clean energy investments in the region.

How will the Sokodé solar plant impact Togo's renewable energy goals and local economy?

• Advancement of Renewable Energy Goals: The Sokodé solar plant will significantly contribute to Togo's target of achieving 200 MWp renewable energy capacity by 2030, marking a substantial step towards energy diversification and sustainability.
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: By generating 87 GWh of clean electricity annually, the plant will help reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 13.6 thousand tons, supporting Togo's environmental commitments and global climate change mitigation efforts.
• Energy Security and Reliability: The addition of 62 MW of solar power will enhance the stability and reliability of Togo's energy supply, reducing the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels and thermal generation.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The construction and operation of the solar plant are expected to create jobs, stimulate local businesses, and foster economic development in the Sokodé region.
• Public-Private Collaboration: The project exemplifies successful public-private partnerships, potentially attracting further investments in Togo's renewable energy sector and encouraging similar collaborations in the future.
• Infrastructure Development: The construction of an 11 km transmission line will improve the local energy infrastructure, facilitating better electricity distribution and access in the region.
• Alignment with Regional Initiatives: The project supports the African Development Bank Group’s “Light Up and Power Africa” initiative, reinforcing regional efforts to increase access to sustainable energy across the continent.
• Increased Energy Access: By providing clean and reliable power, the solar plant will improve energy access for local communities, contributing to improved quality of life and economic opportunities.