Renewable energies in Cape Verde, a future located in the present.
Cape Verde is a green holiday destination, in the broad sense of the word. This archipelago off the coast of Senegal marvels with its unspoiled nature and the rugged and lush landscapes of some of its islands. But also as a green destination we refer to Cape Verde’s close relationship with renewable energies. The more than 350 days of sunshine a year and the gentle wind that blows almost constantly are responsible for the country being at the forefront in Africa in obtaining green electricity. The archipelago is a box of surprises, don’t you think?
If there is one thing Africa has, it is plenty of sunshine, so why not take advantage of it? This is precisely what is being done in Cape Verde, where the largest photovoltaic power plants on the continent have been built. Specifically, they are located on the islands of Santiago (5MW) and Sal (2.5 MW). These plants, which transform sunlight into electricity, and whose total power is 7.5 MW, account for 4% of the total energy consumption of the population. Undoubtedly, a very clear example of how the sun is not only attractive for a vacation, but also for obtaining clean energy.
"The more than 350 days of sunshine a year and that gentle wind that blows almost constantly are responsible for the country's leading position in Africa in obtaining green electricity."
The fact that Cape Verde and renewable energies are closely linked also translates into lower CO2 emissions. Specifically, a reduction of more than 10,000 tons of CO2 per year is estimated.
The country’s commitment to solar energy is complemented by wind energy, given the archipelago’s climatic conditions. Between them, 10% of the total energy consumption of the country’s half a million inhabitants is the result of renewable energies. This percentage rises sharply if we consider only the islands of Santiago and Santo Antão (the largest), where 25% of the energy consumed is generated by wind power plants.
Green energies in the archipelago: towards 2020
But the goal of becoming a green country does not end here and, in fact, the short- to medium-term mission is ambitious. By 2020, Cape Verde aims to obtain 50% of its energy from the sun and wind, and in 10 years or so, to reach 100%. It would thus become not only the first country in Africa to achieve this, but the first in the world.
The truth is that the challenge is complicated, but the archipelago is taking important steps in this area. In fact, there is already proof that the mission is difficult, but not impossible. The example can be found in the small village of Vale da Custa, on the island of Santiago, inhabited by about 700 people, which has managed to become 100% renewable.
The commitment to renewable energies in Cape Verde is just one of the surprises hidden in this country, so small but with such big ambitions! Come and discover it!
