In 2022, almost three-quarters of Cape Verde’s electricity consumption came from fossil fuels, while just over a quarter—28%—came from low-carbon sources. Solar and wind contributed equally, each supplying 14% of electricity. This gives Cape Verde a solid foundation for expanding clean electricity, although fossil fuels still dominate its supply, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Cape Verde?

Electricity consumption per person reached a new record in 2022, rising to about 960 kWh—roughly 80 kWh, or 10%, above the previous peak in 2016. Low-carbon electricity generation also reached a record of about 270 kWh per person, compared with around 180 kWh in 2013: an increase of roughly 90 kWh, or more than half. These are encouraging gains, particularly for clean electricity, although comparisons with earlier records do not establish uninterrupted annual growth. Further expansion can support electrification and future electricity demand.

Suggestions

Cape Verde should build on its existing solar and wind generation by expanding both, supported by stronger grids and electricity storage. Island regions offer useful examples: Ireland generates about a third of its electricity from wind, while Denmark reaches almost 60%. For solar, Cape Verde could study Chile, where solar supplies about a quarter of electricity, and the US state of Nevada, where it provides more than a third. Nuclear should also be considered as a potential longer-term clean electricity option, with its suitability assessed for Cape Verde’s electricity system. France, which generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, illustrates its substantial contribution, while the United Arab Emirates, at 20%, offers lessons from developing a nuclear electricity programme.

History

The supplied historical figures show no recorded year-to-year increase in wind generation in the listed years of the 2000s, followed by similarly flat reported changes in the early 2010s and from 2017 through 2021. Solar also showed no reported change in 2011 and 2012. These figures are rounded, so zero changes should not be interpreted as proof that generation was entirely unchanged or absent. The standout development came in 2022, when solar electricity generation increased by 0.1 TWh, equivalent to about 100 million kWh. That welcome expansion provides momentum for sustained growth in Cape Verde’s low-carbon electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade