Cape Verde's energy transition pathway

Nowadays about 20% of the electricity produced in Cape Verde comes from renewable sources, solar and wind.

With the implementation of the National Program for Energy Sustainability approved in 2017, Cape Verde is following with determination the energy transition pathway to a safe, efficient, sustainable and inclusive energy sector.

We have chosen energy security, stability and price reduction as central concerns of our energy policy. We want to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels through this focus on renewables and achieve 30% penetration of Renewable Energies (RE) already by 2025 and exceed 50% by 2030, and we are taking decisive steps towards achieving the proposed objectives.

Last year, Cape Verde reduced thermal production by 3% and global production of solar and wind, renewable energy, increased by 20%. The country currently has an installed capacity of 34MW and the contract for the installation of 10 MW Solar has already been signed and the procurement for another 15MW (10MW wind and 5 MW Solar) are already in advanced phase and are expected to enter in operation between 2020 and 2022.

The Road Map for Smart Grid development is also nearing completion, with a detailed mapping of the necessary interventions linked to the mass use of smart meters, the expansion of the SCADA system, and short-term implementation of two pilot facilities for energy storage.

Cape Verde was the first African country to join the Transport Decarbonization Alliance, and last year approved the Electric Mobility Policy Charter, where the vision is to have by 2050 the full replacement of all

vehicles with thermal motors for electric vehicles.

The promotion of Energy Efficiency is also one of the country's commitments. We recently approved the legal package for the creation of the Labeling and Certification National System for Equipments, the Code of Energy Efficiency in Buildings is in public consultation phase and several projects to improve energy efficiency in public buildings are being implemented at national level.

In this transition, profound changes are taking place in the energy sector, which in the medium and long term will contribute to a national energy revolution.

Cape Verde's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Energy is an ALER Member, whose mission is to promote renewable energies in Portuguese-speaking countries. ALER is an important partner in the dissemination of Lusophone countries' initiatives and promotion of renewable energy.

Eng. Alexandre Monteiro

Minister of Industry, Commerce and Energy of Cape Verde