News Solar Energy for Central Togo: Positive Mid-Term Review of the Partnership with Windkraft Simonsfeld

The URBIS Foundation presents a positive mid-term review of its cooperation project with Windkraft Simonsfeld.

Since early 2023, the URBIS Foundation has been working in a long-term cooperation project with the Austrian company Windkraft Simonsfeld AG and the NGO Initiative Eine Welt Braunau to strengthen the solar energy sector in central Togo. The five-year project (2023–2027) is supported by third-party funding of up to EUR 20,000 annually from Windkraft Simonsfeld AG. The project aims to promote self-employment opportunities for young electricians specializing in solar energy, while expanding access to renewable energy in the region. The URBIS Foundation is implementing the project in collaboration with its local partner organization, URBIS Foundation Togo, with Initiative Eine Welt Braunau handling financial coordination.

At the project’s halfway point, we can report strong progress:
The solar training center in Sokodé has been fully equipped, including a specialized library and professional photovoltaic testing equipment. A total of 40 electricians have completed targeted training in solar technology, and the top 20 participants have gone on to complete intensive four-month internships at local solar companies. Complementary entrepreneurship and management workshops have helped prepare participants for self-employment, and each graduate has received a professional starter toolkit to support their business launch.

Solar thermal training modules have recently been added to the curriculum, enabling trainees to gain practical skills in solar-based hot water systems. In parallel, several health centers in the region have been equipped with solar thermal systems – both as a practical learning environment and as a contribution to strengthening local medical infrastructure.

Through this cooperation, the URBIS Foundation is expanding economic opportunities for young professionals in Togo, advancing the adoption of renewable energy, and contributing directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.

We extend our sincere thanks to Windkraft Simonsfeld AG for their committed and reliable partnership and for their confidence in our work. Together, we are driving forward the energy transition – with local impact, long-term perspective, and strong collaboration.