Cape Verde's electricity consumption in 2022 shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost three-quarters of its electricity coming from fossil sources. However, its low-carbon energy sources are also notable, contributing slightly more than a quarter to the electricity mix. Among these clean energy sources, solar and wind each account for 14% of the total electricity generation. This balanced reliance on both solar and wind energy indicates progressive steps towards a clean and sustainable electricity supply, but there is still ample opportunity to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
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 evidently on the rise. As of 2022, the average electricity consumption per person was 962 kWh, showing growth from the 2016 record of 878 kWh per person. This rise translates to an increase of 84 kWh per person. Additionally, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen significant progress, with the latest figure recording 269 kWh per person, up from a previous high of 176 kWh per person in 2013. These positive changes reflect increased efforts in expanding clean energy developments, further emphasizing the country's commitment to a more sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation in Cape Verde, expanding existing wind and solar energy infrastructure presents a viable path forward. Lessons can be drawn from regions successfully leveraging these clean energy sources. For instance, Denmark and South Dakota generate a substantial portion of their electricity from wind, with figures as high as 59% and 56%, respectively. Similarly, Nevada demonstrates the potential of solar energy, achieving 33% of its electricity from this source. Focusing on these promising sectors can significantly bolster Cape Verde's clean energy output. Moreover, consideration of nuclear power as a stable, low-carbon energy source should not be overlooked, as evidenced by France's 70% electricity generation from nuclear energy. By studying these leading regions, Cape Verde can gain insights into how to effectively grow its clean energy sector.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Cape Verde shows gradual progress over several decades. From the early 2000s through 2021, wind energy generation remained stagnant without any notable change. However, a positive development emerged in 2022, with solar energy witnessing an increase of 0.1 TWh. This growth, though modest, marks a critical shift towards diversifying and enhancing the low-carbon energy portfolio. Moving forward, sustained investments and advancements in solar, wind, and potential nuclear energy could substantially alter Cape Verde's energy landscape, reducing fossil fuel dependency and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future.
