Plano de Desenvolvimento Sustentável - Energy Sector

The energy sector of Cabo Verde is characterized by a strong dependence of the imported petroleum products
corresponding to about 80% of total primary energy supply in 2017.

Cabo Verde registered, in 2017, a total demand of 491 GWh and the Master Plan for the Electricity Sector estimates that it will reach 625 GWh, 843 GWh and 990 GWh, in 2020, 2030 and 2040, respectively

The country has made significant progress in the field of energy supplies, but major challenges persist namely: High level of energy dependency on imported fossil fuel, high electricity tariff rates and the high losses in the electricity distribution grids.

Access to modern, sustainable and lowcost energy is one of the key challenges for Cabo Verde ‘s sustainable socio-economic development. To ensure improved access to electricity, in addition to physically extending the power grids, Government policies are aimed at facilitating connections and ensuring price affordability.

The energy sector in Cabo Verde is in the process of transition to a sustainable and low-carbon network, with reforms under way or planned, as defined by the Government’s strategy for the sector.

The Government of Cabo Verde elected energy security, price stability and reduction of the energy bills as central concerns, as established in the PEDS (Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development), and in line with SDGs 7. These strategic objectives will be operationalized through the National Programme for Energy Sustainability
(PNSE). The long-term goal of the National Programme is to accomplish the transition to a secure, efficient and sustainable energy sector, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and ensuring universal access and energy security. Five axes of interventions are identified as crucial to the success of the PNSE, namely:

• Strengthening the institutional framework and improving the business and investment environment
• Reform of the organizational structure of energy market
• Investment in strategic infrastructures
• Development of renewable energy (RE)
• Promotion of energy efficiency

Within this framework and to allow the planning of the necessary infrastructures and related investments, a Master Plan for the Electricity Sector (2018 - 2030) was developed, in order to channel all efforts and actions towards these long-term goals.