In 2022, Cape Verde relied on fossil fuels for almost three-quarters of its electricity consumption, while low-carbon sources supplied just over a quarter. Solar and wind each contributed 14%, giving these two clean electricity sources equal shares. Expanding their contribution would help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and the associated climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Cape Verde?

Electricity consumption per person reached a new record in 2022, at about 960 kWh—roughly 84 kWh, or 10%, above the previous peak of 878 kWh in 2016. Low-carbon electricity generation also reached a record of about 270 kWh per person, around 94 kWh, or more than 50%, above its previous peak in 2013. These are encouraging gains, although comparisons with earlier records do not establish that growth was continuous. Further growth in clean electricity would help meet future demand from electrification and digital services, including AI.

Suggestions

Cape Verde can build on its existing strengths by expanding both wind and solar generation. Island regions such as Ireland, where wind supplies about 35% of electricity, offer useful examples, while Denmark’s wind share of 57% demonstrates how substantial that contribution can become. For solar, Cape Verde could learn from sunny regions such as Chile, with a 24% share, and the US state of Nevada, with 35%. Nuclear should also be considered as a potential longer-term clean electricity option: France generates about two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear, while the United Arab Emirates generates about one-fifth. These examples offer lessons in developing a diversified low-carbon electricity supply, with choices tailored to Cape Verde’s circumstances.

History

The reported history shows little measurable change in wind generation during the listed years of the 2000s, with each annual change recorded as zero TWh. The listed wind and solar changes in the early 2010s were also zero, followed by further zero changes for wind from 2017 through 2021. These rounded figures do not mean that no electricity was generated, but they indicate no growth visible at the reported precision—a disappointing pattern given the need for more clean electricity. In 2022, solar provided a clear advance, increasing generation by 0.1 TWh, or about 100 million kWh.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade