Electricity in Cape Verde in 2022

In 2022, Cape Verde's electricity consumption was predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, which accounted for almost 84% of the total electricity generated. The remaining 16% of the electricity came from low-carbon sources, with wind energy being the major contributor at nearly 14%, and solar energy providing a small share of about 2%. Despite these contributions from clean energy sources, the high dependency on fossil fuels highlights a substantial need for Cape Verde to transition towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation methods.

Suggestions

To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Cape Verde should consider expanding its already significant wind energy sector. Given that wind power is responsible for the majority of the country’s clean energy, further investments in wind infrastructure could help reduce the reliance on fossil fuels significantly. Looking at global examples, Cape Verde can learn from Denmark, where wind energy provides 61% of their electricity, and Uruguay, with 36% coming from wind. Emulating these successful models, along with leveraging their windy coastal geography, can position Cape Verde to achieve similar levels of clean energy penetration.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Cape Verde shows a consistent presence of wind energy without any recorded changes in production from the year 2000 to 2020. Solar energy also did not register any change in production from its start in 2011 until 2013. This period indicates that Cape Verde has had the infrastructure for producing low-carbon electricity in place but has not expanded it significantly until recently. The stagnation in both wind and solar energy generation over the years underscores the urgent need for active and strategic development in their clean energy sectors to foster growth and sustainability moving forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources