In 2022, Cape Verde's electricity consumption was primarily reliant on fossil fuels, which accounted for nearly three-quarters of the total electricity generated. In contrast, clean energy sources contributed to just over a quarter of the country's electricity needs. Interesting to note, low-carbon electricity in Cape Verde is evenly split between two main sources: solar and wind, each supplying about 14% of the total electricity. This demonstrates an emerging shift towards more sustainable energy practices, although fossil fuels still dominate the landscape.
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 has shown growth over recent years. In 2022, electricity use per person was recorded at 962 kWh, reflecting an increase from the previous high of 878 kWh per person in 2016. This represents an increase of 84 kWh per person, suggesting an upward trend in electricity demand. Moreover, Cape Verde's production of low-carbon electricity has seen a more significant boost, with per person generation rising to 269 kWh from a previous high of 176 kWh in 2013. This 94 kWh increase per person underscores the country's efforts and progress towards clean energy generation.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Cape Verde can focus on expanding its existing wind and solar capacities, given their current contributions. The successes of countries like Denmark and US states such as Iowa and South Dakota in generating a significant portion of their electricity from wind—reaching up to 60%—can serve as an inspiration. Similarly, Cape Verde should consider the benefits of integrating nuclear energy as seen in France, where nuclear accounts for 67% of electricity generation, providing a stable and substantial low-carbon option. By learning from these regions, Cape Verde can devise strategic policies aimed at scaling up its clean energy production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Cape Verde shows a pattern of stability with no notable changes until recently. From 2000 up to 2021, there were no significant increases in wind energy, despite its conservation as a viable option. Similarly, solar energy saw close to no growth until 2022, when a slight increase of 0.1 TWh was recorded. This reflects a stagnant phase in previous years, highlighting a missed opportunity to harness the island's natural resources for sustainable growth. The recent advances, albeit modest, are encouraging, and there is a clear imperative to continue investing in and expanding clean energy initiatives, especially solar and potentially nuclear, to meet future demands and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
