Electricity in São Tomé & Príncipe in 2022

In 2022, São Tomé & Príncipe's electricity consumption was overwhelmingly reliant on fossil energy, with more than 90% of its electricity produced from this source. This means that close to none of the island's electricity consumption was low-carbon, highlighting an urgent need for a transition towards cleaner energy sources. Hydropower was the only form of low-carbon electricity present in the country, accounting for slightly over 7% of the energy mix. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels is not only environmentally concerning but also exposes the country to global fossil fuel market volatility, which can impact energy prices and economic stability.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, São Tomé & Príncipe could follow the example of countries that have successfully integrated significant amounts of clean energy into their electricity mix. Although nuclear energy is a major component in many successful countries' strategies, for a small island nation like São Tomé & Príncipe, developing wind and solar energy might be more immediately feasible due to resource availability and economic factors. For instance, countries like Uruguay and Greece have shown success with wind and solar energy, respectively, generating around a third and over a fifth of their electricity through these clean sources. By investing in the necessary infrastructure and fostering incentives for clean technology, São Tomé & Príncipe can diversify its energy mix and reduce its carbon footprint, taking crucial steps toward sustainable development.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity generation in São Tomé & Príncipe, there is a clear trend of stagnation in the development of hydroelectric power from the early 2000s to 2022. Throughout these two decades, there were no significant increases in hydroelectric generation, indicating limited development in low-carbon energy sectors. To move beyond this stagnation, Chile and Cape Verde's modest but effective integration of solar and wind energy into their grids could provide valuable insights into harnessing renewable resources efficiently. São Tomé & Príncipe's path to green energy requires breaking away from this historical inertia and embracing the technologies that promise a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources