In 2022, Cape Verde's electricity consumption predominantly relied on fossil energy sources, accounting for about 72% of its total electricity generation. Despite this dependence, there was a notable uptake of low-carbon energy sources, which contributed to roughly 28% of the electricity mix. Both wind and solar energy made equal contributions to this category, each generating about 14% of Cape Verde's electricity. This growing commitment to low-carbon energy reflects a promising shift towards more sustainable and clean energy solutions, which are crucial in the global fight against climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cape Verde?
Electricity consumption in Cape Verde has seen a slight decline in recent years. In 2022, electricity consumption was 962 kWh/person, a small decrease from the previous record of 975 kWh/person in 2017. However, the encouraging aspect of this trend is the significant growth in low-carbon electricity generation. Between 2017 and 2022, low-carbon electricity per person increased dramatically from 155 kWh to 269 kWh. This substantial increase by 115 kWh underscores Cape Verde's progress in embracing green energy technologies, which are essential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating their associated environmental impacts.
Suggestions
To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Cape Verde can invest in expanding its existing wind and solar capacities. Given the success of regions with high wind penetration, such as Iowa with 60% and South Dakota with 57%, Cape Verde can learn from these areas to maximize the potential of its wind resources. Furthermore, countries like Lebanon and Nevada, with solar contributions of over 30%, demonstrate the effectiveness of scaling up solar infrastructure. Additionally, the idea of nuclear energy as a low-carbon source should not be overlooked. Regions like France and Slovakia significantly benefit from nuclear, providing more than half of their electricity from this source, showing its potential to deliver substantial clean energy benefits. By leveraging lessons from such successful regions, Cape Verde can strategically expand its clean energy capacity.
History
The recent history of low-carbon electricity generation in Cape Verde indicates incremental yet notable progress. In 2021, both wind and solar energy experienced growth, with wind increasing by 0.1 TWh, although solar remained constant. The year 2022 showed a reversal, with solar energy seeing a similar increase of 0.1 TWh, while wind energy generation did not increase further. Despite the fluctuations in specific contributions between wind and solar, the overall upward trend in low-carbon electricity generation is commendable. This gradual increase in low-carbon capacity paves the way for Cape Verde to continue its journey towards a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
