Togo: A new solar power plant in the planning stages
The transition to renewable energy in Africa has made impressive progress in recent years, and many countries are striving to increase their renewable energy capacity. As part of this drive, Togo will soon be adding a new photovoltaic solar power plant to the many initiatives taken by the government in this area.
On 4 December in Dubai, the French group Meridiam signed a 25-year concession agreement with the Republic of Togo and EDF for the design, construction, financing and operation of the plant.
The French company, which is already developing and operating more than 500 MW of solar, hydro, wind, biomass and geothermal projects in Africa, will thus get the Togolese government’s project off the ground.
«We are proud to contribute through this project to Togo’s dual ambition of providing all its citizens with universal access to electricity and increasing its production of renewable energy», said Thierry Déau, founder of Meridiam.
According to a Meridiam press release, the construction work scheduled for mid-2024 and the operation of the plant will create more than 200 local jobs.
Located in Salimdè (Tchaoudjo prefecture), the 64 MWp plant will supply clean, renewable energy to more than 700,000 people in Sokodé and the surrounding rural towns.
Following on from the Blitta plant, which is already operational, the construction of this new infrastructure is part of Head of State Faure Gnassingbé’s vision to diversify and increase energy production, promote sustainable development and make Togo a benchmark in this field.
The country’s ambition was to increase the share of renewable energies in national electricity production to 15% by 2020 and 25% by 2025.
To achieve these targets, the government is implementing several hydroelectric and solar programmes as part of its 2020-2025 roadmap.
Chantal TAWELESSI
