Planalto Norte Mini-grid, Cape Verde
Location: Planalto Norte, Santo Antão
Technology: 45 kWp of solar PV capacity with 334 kWh of battery storage capacity
Promoter: Associação de Defesa do Património de Mértola and co-financed by the Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Camões – Institute for Cooperation and Language, Porto Novo Municipality, Alven do Norte Community Association, Directorate General of Energy Community Association and the Directorate General of Energy
Investment/Financing: Grant of 300 000 USD (334 109,46€ at exchange rate of the time)
Year of initial operation: January 2019
This project enabled energy access during 24 hours a day to several communities in Planalto Norte, and also to a group of more isolated areas in this region. This network, powered by a photovoltaic solar plant, benefits families, generating an average reduction of 90% in their energy costs and a reduction in the time spent on domestic activities. This project also enhances the productive use of electricity, through new business opportunities and the expansion of new offers. Better internet access, the installation of public lighting or the electrification of the health post, enabling the conservation of medicines and vaccines, generated enormous benefits for a population that was made aware of the efficient use of energy.
These case studies were presented in the webinar “Reference Case Studies in Renewable Energies - São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde”, organised by ALER in partnership with the Directorate General for Natural Resources and Energy (DGRNE) from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Natural Resources (MIRN), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which took place on March 9th.