After South Africa, Mozambique and Morocco, the HyAfrica team stopped in Togo from January 19 to 25, 2025. The week was marked by fascinating exchanges and conviviality, and included an information and awareness-raising workshop for stakeholders in the HyAfrica Togo project. The workshop was held at the University of Lomé, in the West Africa Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) building.
The other highlight of the mission was the field exploration, which took place from January 21 to 24 at pre-identified sites, located mainly in the Lacs and Vô prefectures, 40 to 70 km from Lomé. Of the 13 depressions initially identified, 10 were visited and 8 were the subject of in-depth measurements. All the work carried out produced promising results, making this mission a success.
The event was a unique opportunity for all involved. The HyAfrica team, the HyAfrica Togo focal point and the Ministry of Mines and Energy Resources are to be commended for their commitment, as are the students present, who had the chance to gain valuable experience in white hydrogen exploration.
News piece from University of Lomé, translated to English. (Original link).
Renewable Energies: Natural Hydrogen and Its Benefits at the Heart of a Workshop at the University of Lomé
On Monday, January 20, 2025, the University of Lomé, through its Department of Geology, co-organized a strategic workshop for local stakeholders in the WASCAL conference room, marking a decisive step in the implementation of the HyAfrica project. This event, chaired by Professor Komlan Batawila, First Vice President of the University of Lomé, brought together various actors, including national and international experts, representatives from ministries, NGOs, and mining companies — all united by a common goal: to explore the prospects for the exploitation and use of natural hydrogen, a promising energy resource for Togo.
The HyAfrica project is the result of a partnership between the European Union and several African countries, aimed at promoting the use of natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, as a renewable energy source. Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced industrially, natural hydrogen is a renewable resource extracted directly from deep geological formations. Successful experiences, such as the one in Bourakébougou, Mali, have already demonstrated its potential to provide reliable and affordable energy to remote communities. Natural hydrogen represents a unique opportunity for Togo and other African countries to diversify their energy mix while addressing sustainable development challenges.
The Lomé workshop was mainly organized to disseminate the objectives of the HyAfrica project and raise awareness among local stakeholders about the issues and opportunities related to natural hydrogen. Discussions focused on identifying the regulatory procedures and licensing requirements needed for the development of this resource in Togo, as well as assessing its socio-economic impacts on communities.
In his opening speech, Professor Batawila emphasized the importance of the HyAfrica project for Togo’s sustainable energy development. “A potentially exploitable discovery of Natural hydrogen in Togo represents far more than a mere scientific breakthrough. It could radically transform our approach to energy and our position on the global energy landscape. This natural hydrogen could become the key to our energy independence and the sustainable development of our nation,” explained Professor Batawila, before expressing the institution’s pride in contributing to this progress through the outcomes of research to be conducted there. “The University of Lomé is proud to contribute to the advancement of innovative and sustainable energy solutions capable of transforming the daily lives of millions of Togolese people,” he stated.
The technical presentations delivered by HyAfrica project experts provided a detailed overview of the current state of research on natural hydrogen, its potential uses in isolated communities and local networks, as well as the positive economic and environmental impacts it could bring. An interactive roundtable allowed participants to share their strategic visions for integrating this promising resource into Togo’s energy mix, thus paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive energy transition.
The workshop laid the groundwork for collaboration among various stakeholders, promoting the responsible exploitation of natural hydrogen. Participants highlighted the potential of this resource to enhance the reliability of electricity supply, reduce energy costs and energy poverty, while significantly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals — particularly in the areas of clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and poverty reduction (SDG 1).
By bringing together diverse actors around a common cause, this workshop paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive energy future. The University of Lomé thus positions itself as a hub of scientific innovation and a strategic partner in the exploration of alternative energy solutions.
The next steps of the project will include the development of roadmaps and action plans to integrate natural hydrogen into national energy systems. A new era of energy in Togo appears to be on the horizon, with the University of Lomé playing a leading role.
