Renewable energy in Cape Verde – a model for us all

In recent years, there has been a clear move to renewables. This is because they are often cheaper and cleaner than other sources of energy. Cape Verde, a republic consisting of a group of islands off Africa’s northwest coast, has recently set itself a brave renewable energy target. The republic plan to be 100% reliant upon renewable resources by 2025! This will mean using solar, wind and hydro power energy sources.

BACKGROUND

Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands. 9 of these islands are inhabited. Almost all of the population of the republic have access to electricity, however around 30% still rely upon fire and charcoal or cooking. It is believed that this is largely due to the high electricity prices.

Currently, around 25% of Cape Verde’s electricity is provided by renewable sources. This is good news considering that their electricity use is expected to double between 2015 and 2020!

REACHING THEIR GOAL

Cape Verde has great potential in wind, solar and marine energy. The strong winds in the area are considered excellent for wind power production. On three of the islands, 25% of their electricity is already produced by wind turbines. The current issue is that there is little opportunity for wind energy to expand without energy storage. However, there is potential for this to change…

There are currently projects that are testing the possibility of combining energy storage and the republic’s desalination (where salt is removed from seawater) systems. The desalinated freshwater may be pumped into a high-elevation reservoir (a bit like a man-made lake) and stored for energy. When demand peaks the water flows back down. It then spins hydro turbines and generates electricity.

Also, Cape Verde’s tropical location means that there is great solar power potential. There are suggestions that solar potential in the area is more than double than the amount than is currently being used!

The republic could also take advantage of an emerging technology known as ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). OTEC uses the difference between warm surface water and cold deep ocean water to produce electricity. Studies have shown that ocean waters around southern Santiago (one of the 10 islands) may be suitable.

Geothermal energy, where heat from the earth is used to generate electricity, can be tapped into at Cape Verde. This is because is it a volcanic group of islands. One major advantage of this form of energy is that it runs all the time. This means that it can help the area meet a minimum level of power demand all day.

CHANGING ENERGY SYSTEMS

In order to support these renewable sources, Cape Verde are also having to review their current energy technologies and systems.

In recent years, there has been an advancement in micro-grids. This is a local electricity grid which includes electricity generation, distribution to customers and energy storage. These systems are both cleaner and have lower life cycle costs than diesel-based systems. Micro-grids can also connect to the main electricity grid but can also disconnect and operate independently. This is useful when a storm damages the main grid.

More ‘Pay-as-you-go’ energy systems are being installed in order to reach their goal. This system integrates energy technologies with mobile communications and mobile banking. This allows households to purchase ‘solar home systems’ and pay off the cost over time. Pay-as-you-go systems may help Cape Verde to reach its goals without needed to make large investments in major systems.

WILL CAPE VERDE REACH ITS GOAL?

Cape Verde has a great amount of renewable potential. Currently, it seems that the republic could reach its goal of becoming 100% renewable by 2025. However, Cape Verde will face a number of challenges in their attempt to do so!

MOLLY SIMPSON

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1 comment

  1. zoritoler imol 1 year ago January 3, 2023

    I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, appreciate it for all the great content.

    REPLY

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