Cabo Verde's Renewable Energy Prospects in the Context of Regional Development

'African Water Cities' is a book by Kunle Adeyemi , a Nigerian architect and urbanist known for his concept of sustainable urbanism. One of his standout works is the Floating Music Hub, a multicultural centre located on São Vicente Island in Cabo Verde. Adeyemi’s work addresses challenges posed by climate change, with a specific focus on Africa. Renowned for developing the concept in sustainable urbanism and resilient cities adapting to rising sea levels, Adeyemi emphasizes the need for using local resources and integrating indigenous wisdom with modern innovations for sustainability. Utilizing Africa's rich cultural heritage enshrines local identities in development. His work reflects social inclusion, where people are prioritized over profit. Adeyemi states in his philosophy, "Africa’s future must be rooted in its past; we cannot ignore our heritage as we build tomorrow’s cities. Innovation doesn’t mean ignoring tradition; it means building upon it to create something new, something better."

Cabo Verde, located in the Macaronesia ecoregion, lies west of Senegal, the Gambia, and Mauritania in the Atlantic. It comprises ten major islands, including the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores. More than half of Cabo Verde’s inhabitants reside on Santiago Island, which hosts the capital, Praia. Although the country shares maritime borders with islands belonging to Spain and Portugal, it maintains its distinct identity within the Atlantic archipelagic region.

Cabo Verde's biodiversity includes numerous endemic species. The eastern islands, affected by the Sahel belt, are flat with arid terrain due to the Harmattan winds from West Africa, while the western islands are rockier and more vegetated. Only 10% of Cabo Verde’s land is arable, and the country is highly susceptible to adverse effects of climate change, with droughts and flash floods being common. The interaction of warm waters and upwelling cold winds around Cabo Verde is responsible for creating hurricanes that often travel toward the Caribbean and North America.

After gaining independence in 1975, Cabo Verde has seen significant emigration, with 66% of its citizens now living abroad, primarily in the US and Western Europe. The current population of the country stands at around 600,000.

Access to electricity in Cabo Verde is over 95%, but rural areas face disparities. Infrastructural and logistical challenges hinder equal access across all regions. Most of the country’s electricity is generated from thermal power plants burning diesel and heavy fuel oil. However, Cabo Verde is also gaining recognition for its renewable energy initiatives, particularly in wind energy production.

The Cabo Verdean government aims to increase renewable energy generation to 50% by 2030 and achieve 100% by 2050. Currently, 20% of its energy comes from renewable sources. In 2023, the country signed a €140 million debt-for-nature swap with Portugal, exchanging Cabo Verde's debt for redirected funds toward environmental projects.

Cabo Verde benefits from consistent northeasterly trade winds, with speeds up to 10 m/s, making it ideal for wind energy generation. The Cabeólica Wind Park project includes four wind parks on the islands of Santiago, São Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista.

Solar irradiation is abundant due to the country's tropical location. In July 2024, Cabo Verde a solar PV mini-grid system on Fogo Island was inaugurated, further boosting its renewable energy capabilities.

To enhance electricity access, Cabo Verde is also investing in the Electricity Transmission and Distribution Network Development Project which aims to modernize and improve the power distribution network.

In June 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Flexens Oy Ab , a Finnish project developer, to develop a green hydrogen plant in Cabo Verde, marking another step toward energy diversification.

Off-grid wind and solar solutions are being implemented by small private initiatives, addressing local energy needs in remote areas.

Cabo Verde’s political stability, strong educational system and relatively stable economy in the region provide a conducive environment for renewable energy development. These factors ensure a skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s energy transition forward.

The country's population is multicultural, with influences from the Fulani, Portuguese, North African Jews, Italians, French, English, Asians and Arabs. The blend of these cultures has created a distinct identity, with 80% of the population being Creole, 18% African and 2% European. Despite this blending, Cabo Verde maintains a strong sense of national identity.

Cabo Verde’s stable economy has attracted immigrants from neighbouring countries like Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Senegal, creating economic pressures. Competition for resources, particularly in construction and trade, has led to tensions around identity and belonging. Darker-skinned African immigrants often face social exclusion due to historical colonial legacies that favoured lighter skin. These dynamics are particularly visible in urban areas like Praia.

The Cabo Verdean government has acknowledged the nuanced xenophobia issue and has made efforts to implement policies to foster integration while maintaining social cohesion. There is a need for the spirit, rather than just the letter of the law, to promote Cabo Verde's image as a tolerant and inclusive society. Civil society organizations are also working to promote intercultural dialogue, combatting xenophobia and raising awareness of the positive contributions of immigrants. Many Cabo Verdeans empathize with immigrants, having themselves lived as minorities abroad.

Music is a significant part of Cabo Verdean culture, with morna being the most famous genre. The saxophone, guitar and cavaquinho—a traditional instrument similar to the ukulele—are commonly used. Boisterous carnivals and festivals are celebrated, while basketry, woodworking and weaving are integral to the material culture. Internationally renowned singer Cesária Évora brought Cabo Verdean music to global audiences. Portuguese-influenced wine from Cabo Verde is also gaining international recognition.

‘Arquipélago', a book of poetry by Cabo Verdean writer Jorge Barbosa, explores themes of identity and belonging. One of his poignant lines reads:

"The islands are not merely the sea; they are the people who inhabit them. Memory is the sea where our pasts are anchored, drifting in currents of nostalgia."

In conclusion, Cabo Verde’s renewable energy initiatives are a crucial part of the regional development strategy. While the country makes strides toward greater integration within West Africa, it is essential for regional development to advance in tandem to avoid placing undue pressure on any single country. A collective effort is essential for achieving sustainable energy access and security across the region.