Renewable energies

For the first time, the renewable energy sub-sector is part of the priority axes of the cooperation between the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg and Cabo Verde through the 4th Indicative Cooperation Programme (ICP). It is the third sectorial focus axis of the 4th ICP. This decision is justified by the common guidelines of Cabo Verde and Luxembourg in terms of good governance and climate mitigation.

Furthermore, the renewable energies have a legitimate importance in Cabo Verde because of the concerns regarding energy independence, improving the quality of life of the citizens and improving the competitiveness of the companies. Large investments made in the production and distribution capacity have ceased the country’s concern regarding the supply of energy. The concern has shifted to a question of sustainability of the electricity sector, access to energy in more remote locations (8% of the population lacking access to energy) and reduction of electricity tariffs for households and businesses.

In this context, the needs that motivate this intervention emerge from the country's energy policy which aims at a greater use of the renewable energies for the production of electric energy, by betting on market mechanisms that are based on the activity of the private sector and the sustainable development of the sector.

To this end, the political commitment must be translated into a transparent legal and regulatory framework, public institutions capable of rendering operational the legislation and taking responsibility for the monitoring and the evaluation of the impacts of the energy policy.

Based on the participatory work carried out during a one-year formulation phase, the overall objective of the Renewable energies programme of support to the renewable energy sector is to improve access to clean, reliable, modern and affordable energy, with a consequent increase in energy independence.

The programme aims to improve the planning conditions for the renewable energy sector and to create a legal and regulatory framework as well as a technical and economic regulations that are beneficial and favourable to the participation of the private sector and the civil society in the energy transition.

The achievement of the results will enable the Cape Verdean population to benefit from sustainable access to clean and cheaper energy, allowing a reduction of family expenses and the creation of local activities that generate jobs and income.