In 2022, Cape Verde's electricity consumption was predominantly driven by fossil fuels, which accounted for more than two-thirds of the total electricity generation at 72%. However, the country also boasts a significant contribution from low-carbon sources, which form 28% of the electricity mix. This is split evenly between wind and solar energy, each providing 14% of the total electricity consumption. With such a reliance on fossil fuels, there is room for growth in integrating more low-carbon energy to contribute positively to addressing climate change and promoting cleaner air.
Is Electricity Growing in Cape Verde?
Cape Verde is witnessing a growth in its electricity consumption per capita. The 2022 records show an electricity consumption of 962 kWh per person, an increase from the previous record of 878 kWh per person set in 2016. This indicates a notable growth of about 84 kWh per person. Additionally, the generation of low-carbon electricity has increased significantly, with the latest figures showing 269 kWh per person, a remarkable rise of 94 kWh per person from the previous low-carbon peak recorded in 2013. This increase in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is a promising trend that aligns with global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
Suggestions
To further boost Cape Verde's low-carbon electricity generation, the country can focus on expanding its existing wind and solar installations. As these technologies already contribute significantly to the current electricity mix, scaling them up could be a viable path towards greater sustainability. Additionally, Cape Verde can draw inspiration from countries that have successfully expanded their low-carbon energy capacity. For instance, Denmark generates over half of its electricity from wind, which Cape Verde can emulate given its potential for similar conditions. Moreover, Lebanon has made significant strides with solar, generating 31% of its electricity from this source. Learning from such examples, Cape Verde can further bolster its clean energy portfolio, capitalizing on both its natural resources and existing infrastructure.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Cape Verde, it is clear that development has been slow but promising. Throughout the early 2000s up until 2021, there was close to no recorded change in wind or solar electricity generation, indicating a period of stagnation. However, 2022 marked a turning point with a small increase in solar electricity generation by 0.1 TWh. This development signals an encouraging start towards more substantial investments and commitment to sustainable energy solutions. These advancements can set the stage for a rapid transition towards a more balanced and environmentally friendly energy portfolio in the coming years, aligning with global trends towards cleaner energy.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.