Electricity in São Tomé & Príncipe in 2022

As of 2022, the electricity consumption in São Tomé & Príncipe is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for more than 90% of the electricity mix. This high dependence on fossil energy contributes significantly to climate change and air pollution. In contrast, low-carbon energy forms a minor portion of the electricity landscape, with hydropower, a type of clean energy, representing just over 7% of the total electricity generation. This skewed ratio highlights an urgent need for São Tomé & Príncipe to diversify its energy sources towards greener alternatives to reduce environmental impacts and improve energy sustainability.

Suggestions

One feasible path for São Tomé & Príncipe to increase its low-carbon electricity generation is by integrating more solar and wind power solutions, as demonstrated by countries with similar attributes. For instance, Cape Verde has successfully generated 14% of its electricity from wind power, despite similar geographic and economic conditions. Looking at global leaders, Denmark produces nearly 60% of its electricity from wind power, showcasing the potential scale at which wind energy can contribute. Furthermore, investing in solar technologies could take inspiration from Greece, where solar accounts for almost a quarter of their electricity generation. Such transitions are crucial to align São Tomé & Príncipe with global trends towards low-carbon futures, benefitting from reduced emissions and enhanced energy security.

History

Historically, the journey of low-carbon electricity in São Tomé & Príncipe has seen stagnant progress, with no significant changes in hydropower generation from the early 2000s up to 2022. This long-standing lack of growth in the clean energy sector underscores a pressing need for actionable strategies and investments to invigorate this segment of the electricity mix. Over the past two decades, the potential of hydropower has been left untapped, offering an opportunity for future development. Emphasizing strategic planning and leveraging international expertise in clean energy transitions could set the foundation for a robust low-carbon electricity infrastructure in the coming years.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources