On Wednesday (11), the Cape Verdean government inaugurated the new power plant extension and battery energy storage system located in the wind farm on Sal Island, with an investment of €30 million that doubles the current thermal capacity.
Cape Verdean Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva said that this modern and efficient infrastructure reduces operating costs through the use of fuel, which is cheaper than diesel, and is prepared to operate in a context of high penetration of renewable energies, ensuring flexibility and stability for the island’s electrical system.
“Sal has seen rapid growth in energy demand, with a 60% increase since 2016, strongly driven by tourism. These investments respond to this dynamic with a structural and long-term vision,” the minister said.
However, Silva pointed out that the tourist spot is now better served and better prepared for the future, with greater sustainability in an essential factor for the economy and for the people.
According to a government statement, the new Battery Energy Storage System was also inaugurated, an investment of six million euros, which increases the renewable energy storage capacity on the island of Sal sevenfold.
With the 5 MW Solar Park, inaugurated at the end of 2024 (an investment of five million euros), and with these new batteries, the penetration of renewable energy in Sal will exceed 40%, above the national average forecast for 2026, which is 35%.
Source: Forbes Lusophone Africa
