Spatial assessment of bioenergy potentials for small biogas digesters and pyrolysis cookstoves: A case study in Togo

Biomass, primarily firewood and charcoal, dominates the energy landscape in Western Africa, driving deforestation, ecosystem degradation and adverse health outcomes. This study presents a comprehensive spatial assessment of the bioenergy potential of small-scale biogas digesters and pyrolysis cookstoves in Togo, addressing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to traditional wood fuels. Using agricultural residues as feedstock for decentralised bioenergy systems could mitigate these impacts and help to achieve SDGs 7 (affordable and clean energy) and 13 (climate action). Using FAOSTAT and CROPGRIDS data, we mapped the spatial distribution and production volume of the most significant crop residues at high resolution. Residues were categorized by structure and composition in order to estimate biomethane yields and their compatibility with small-scale digesters or cookstoves. Deforestation priority regions were delineated using forest loss data derived from Landsat, enabling targeted analysis of bioenergy deployment in the most affected areas. Theoretical potential was calculated for small-scale digesters (5–15 m 3 ) and household cookstoves based on local residue availability. Additional site-specific assessments were conducted for large-scale anaerobic digestion at over 50 poultry farms. Results reveal substantial and spatially variable bioenergy resources, particularly in regions experiencing severe deforestation. We estimate a theoretical potential of up to 720,000 small-scale biogas digesters (5 m 3 capacity) and 480,000 cookstoves, demonstrating the technical feasibility of replacing traditional fuels with agricultural residues. This spatially explicit approach provides a framework for decision-making to scale up sustainable bioenergy solutions in Togo and similar contexts, thus mitigating deforestation, lower greenhouse gas emissions and improving rural livelihoods. • Spatially explicit mapping of agricultural residue bioenergy potentials across Togo • Geospatial framework links residues, deforestation hotspots, and bioenergy options. • Up to 720,000 small-scale biogas digesters identified as a theoretical potential • Agricultural residues could support up to 480,000 biomass cookstoves. • Spatial assessment quantifies bioenergy potential from residues and poultry manure.