Dialogue on ocean energy reaches São Tomé and Príncipe

Between April 9th and 15th, São Tomé and Príncipe hosted the SIDS DOCK delegation to start taking action on ocean energy, in order to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change.

This initiative was supported by SIDS DOCK, the international organization for Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience of Small Island Developing States, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

The SIDS DOCK delegation, led by Christine Neves Duncan, Chief of Staff and Project Director of the SIDS DOCK Secretariat, was received by the Minister of Infrastructure and Natural Resources, Osvaldo de Abreu, to outline the implementation of a project that aims to to promote innovation and changes that lead to the energy independence of São Tomé and Príncipe, through the development and implementation of ocean energy technologies.

The agreement established between SIDS DOCK and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe is a Partnership for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 – “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development” , as well as the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which states: "Increasing capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and promoting climate resilience", is a priority of SIDS DOCK to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change.

This mission aimed to establish national contacts and promote dialogue on ocean energy in an Energy vision for São Tomé e Príncipe, and the expected results aimed to sign the memorandum of understanding between EMAE - São Tomé and Príncipe Water and Electricity Company and Global Otec, and sensitize Governments and the population to the appropriation and exploitation of maritime potential.

This partnership “is important for us so that there is greater involvement of the country in this mission so that, from this discussion, we find efficient and sustainable energy solutions for the country”, said Gabriel Maquengo, from the General Directorate of Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Environment and Responsible for the UNIDO project in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are part of the largest renewable energy regions on the planet with great energy potential. Variation in salinity, thermal gradients, tidal currents or ocean waves can be used to generate electricity using a range of different technologies.

These technologies can be developed to provide electricity that is safe, sustainable and competitive compared to what is now generated from fossil fuels. 

Each type of ocean kinetic or thermal resource has unique site requirements, characteristics and challenges. Some forms are available for periods of time during the day, while others are available continuously. Ocean thermal energy, which is based on converting solar radiation in the ocean into electricity, is continuously available at almost all ocean locations across the tropics, and therefore represents an unlimited source of energy for the blue economy.