Exploring Pathways to Increase Renewable Energy Penetration in Cabo Verde Islands

Abstract

having a vast potential for renewable electricity production, Cabo Verde Islands have a low penetration rate of renewable energy, presenting a high reliance on imported fossil fuels. Like most Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Cabo Verde experiences some difficulties in the electricity sector mainly due to this high dependence on fossil fuels. As of 2021, the installed renewable energy capacity in the country was 35 MW, a value far below its estimated total potential of 2600 MW, and more than 80% of the country’s electricity was produced from non-renewable sources. Increasing renewable energy penetration should be a priority to address the challenges faced by the country’s energy sector and to address concerns related to sustainable development. This research uses an energy modelling tool (EnergyPLAN) to explore pathways to improve renewable energy penetration in four islands of the archipelago Cabo Verde, namely, Santo Antão, São Vicente, Sal, and Santiago. Two scenarios are crafted with the goal of attaining 50% and 100% renewable energy penetration in 2030 while considering the available renewable energy sources. Furthermore, for being an alternative scantily explored, a techno-economic analysis of the interconnection of the Santo Antão and São Vicente’s power systems is performed. The results of the simulations and scenarios provide evidence of the technical feasibility of a 100% renewable energy-based energy system in the case study islands. Higher renewable penetration levels are achieved through direct electrification of in-land transport. Moreover, the results shed light on the impacts of interconnection between the islands to increase renewable energy penetration levels. Investing in renewable energy sources, especially in SIDS, deemed the most vulnerable to climate change, is related to environmental and economic concerns and strategic planning for the country's development. Therefore, transitioning to low-carbon energy alternatives such as electric vehicles powered by renewable energy should be prioritised in Cabo Verde’s energy policies to ensure that the country reaches sustainable development.