Cape Verde's electricity landscape in 2022 displays a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with about three-quarters of the nation's electricity coming from these sources. The remaining percentage, which can be considered low-carbon or clean energy, is split evenly between solar and wind, each contributing around 14% to the country's electricity generation. Although clean energy makes up more than one-quarter of the total, the predominance of fossil energy highlights an area ripe for transformation towards more sustainable and greener energy solutions. This transition is crucial for reducing the negative impacts associated with fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA and Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Cape Verde?
Electricity consumption in Cape Verde is showing a positive upward trend. The latest statistics indicate that the electricity use per person reached 962 kWh in 2022, marking an increase from the previous high in 2016 of 878 kWh/person. This represents an uplift of 84 kWh per person, signifying growing electricity demand. Similarly, there is robust growth in the generation of low-carbon electricity. The recent figures reflect a generation of 269 kWh/person, an improvement from the high set in 2013 at 176 kWh/person, with an increase of 94 kWh per person. This rise in both overall electricity and low-carbon electricity generation suggests that Cape Verde is making strides in meeting the rising electricity demands while advancing green energy.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Cape Verde can work on expanding its existing solar and wind energy capabilities, given their current significant contribution to the grid. Learning from successful countries such as Denmark, where wind accounts for 58% of electricity generation, can prove valuable. Similarly, Cape Verde could consider the nuclear energy strategies of countries like France, which achieves 70% electricity generation from nuclear sources. While nuclear energy is not currently deployed here, planning and technological integration could be essential steps, considering the successful nuclear energy utilization seen across various regions. Moreover, solar developments in places like California, where solar energy contributes 29%, offer relevant insights given Cape Verde's similar sunny climate. By adopting best practices from these regions, Cape Verde can accelerate its journey towards a more sustainable electricity future.
History
The historical perspective on Cape Verde’s low-carbon electricity reveals a slow but steady journey marked predominantly by wind energy contributions. From 2000 to 2021, wind energy did not show significant growth, maintaining a stagnant level across these years. The recent addition of solar energy, particularly a noticeable expansion in 2022 with a 0.1 TWh increment, represents a positive shift. This gradual increase, although small, is important and indicates that Cape Verde is beginning to diversify its low-carbon energy portfolio to include solar power alongside wind. Acknowledging this history and continuing to build on infrastructural improvements and policy support will be key as Cape Verde moves forward to ensure stable and green electricity growth in the coming decades.
