Using its advanced solutions, Russia is looking to occupy a position partly held by Nigeria in Togo and Niger’s power sector

Russia is positioning itself to play a bigger role in solving West Africa’s electricity problems, offering Togo and Niger gas turbine power plants at a time when both countries still rely on imported electricity.

• Russia has offered to supply gas turbine power plants to Togo and Niger to help address their electricity shortages.
• The proposal includes generating units ranging from 6 MW to 32 MW, suitable for various climatic conditions.
• Russia aims to support port infrastructure, eliminate power deficits, and foster ventures with local businesses through this deal.
• Togo and Niger currently rely heavily on imported electricity, mainly from Nigeria, which has led to growing debts and supply challenges.

The offer was discussed during the first Russian-Togolese Intergovernmental Commission, where Russia proposed supplying the two countries with gas turbine generation units ranging from 6 MW to 32 MW.

Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC), which is behind the proposal, said the power units can operate in different climatic conditions.

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Some of the intent of the deal, according to UEC, includes: providing electricity to port infrastructure; eliminating power deficits; and creating ventures with local businesses, as reported by Sputnik.

The proposal comes as Togo is already looking beyond its borders to keep up with growing electricity demand.

Nigeria’s electricity supply to its neighbours

In March, Togo’s national electricity utility, Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET), asked Nigeria to increase the amount of electricity it receives from the country.

CEET was receiving about 75 MW from Nigeria’s Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), with its director-general praising the Nigerian company for maintaining a consistent supply.

Nigeria has long been an important electricity supplier to neighbouring West African countries through regional power arrangements.

But the growing electricity demand has also exposed the limits of relying heavily on imported power.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Togo, Niger and Benin were indebted to Nigeria to the tune of $17.8 million for electricity supplied, according to Nigeria’s electricity regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Russia’s proposal could give Togo and Niger another option as they work to expand electricity generation at home.

Rather than replacing regional power supplies, the proposed gas plants could add new generation capacity while reducing pressure on electricity imported from neighbouring countries.

For Russia, the projects also offer an opportunity to deepen its presence in West Africa’s energy sector, where demand for reliable and affordable electricity continues to grow.