Togo has signed a landmark agreement with American company Nano Nuclear Energy (NNE) to develop micro-nuclear reactors, marking a significant step in diversifying the country’s energy sources and expanding electricity access.
The agreement, overseen by Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, was formalized on December 2 in a signing ceremony attended by Togo’s Minister of Mines and Energy Resources, Robert Koffi Messan Eklo, and Ian Farnan, President of the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre.
This initiative aligns with Togo’s national energy diversification strategy, which aims to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and mitigate environmental impacts. Currently, around 70% of Togo’s population has access to electricity, primarily in urban areas.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) represent an innovative solution to meet the country’s growing energy demands, offering increased production capacity while maintaining a smaller environmental footprint.
To facilitate the project, President Gnassingbe announced the establishment of the Togo Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC), which will oversee the peaceful application of nuclear technologies in the country.
“These micro-reactor systems are ideally suited to Togo’s rapidly evolving energy needs,” said Ian Farnan during the signing ceremony.
The initiative aims to create a sustainable and inclusive energy model for West Africa, positioning Togo as a regional leader in nuclear energy development.