In 2022, electricity consumption in Cape Verde was largely reliant on fossil fuels, with these sources contributing 72% of the total electricity generation. The remainder of the electricity supply, about 28%, came from low-carbon sources, which included equal contributions from solar and wind energy. Solar and wind each represented 14% of the electricity mix, illustrating that Cape Verde does make a notable effort towards clean energy solutions, even though fossil fuels dominate the overall landscape. This combination of clean energy highlights a commitment to sustainable practices, but there is significant room for improvement to reduce reliance on fossil energy and its associated negative impacts like climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Cape Verde?

Regarding the growth trajectory of electricity consumption in Cape Verde, it is clear that there has been a positive trend. The total electricity consumption per capita reached 962 kWh in 2022, which is a noticeable increase from the previous high of 878 kWh recorded in 2016. This growth of 84 kWh suggests a rising demand for electricity. Furthermore, the low-carbon segment of electricity generation also saw a favorable increase, with 269 kWh per person generated from clean sources in 2022, surpassing the 176 kWh record from 2013. This increase of 94 kWh in low-carbon electricity is particularly promising and signals Cape Verde's successful steps toward expanding its clean energy capabilities.

Suggestions

To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Cape Verde should continue to expand its existing solar and wind infrastructure. With these sources already contributing a significant portion of the clean energy mix, accelerating their development could yield substantial benefits. Additionally, Cape Verde can draw lessons from regions that have excelled in sustainable energy generation. For instance, Denmark and Iowa each generate over 50% of their electricity from wind, showcasing the potential of this clean technology. Similarly, densely populated solar initiatives such as those in Nevada, where solar accounts for 35% of electricity, provide a blueprint for maximizing solar energy use. While nuclear is not currently part of Cape Verde's energy mix, successful examples from countries like France, where nuclear contributes 67% of electricity, indicate that introducing this reliable, low-carbon technology might also be a feasible long-term strategy for Cape Verde.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Cape Verde, the early 2000s and 2010s showcased a period of stability with little to no change in the generation from wind energy. This stagnation continues until more recent years, where minimal but positive growth is observed, especially in solar energy with a small increase of 0.1 TWh recorded in 2022. While these changes are not groundbreaking, they indicate nascent steps toward embracing more low-carbon technologies. Cape Verde's experience underscores the importance of persisting with expansion efforts, particularly focusing on dynamic growth sectors like solar and wind that promise further reductions in carbon footprints and enhance energy independence.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade