20 March 2012: The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) has approved a US$1.7 million grant to promote renewable energy systems in Cape Verde over the next 3 years.

This project will help Cape Verde reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, as it relies on sea water desalination, which requires electricity, as a source potable water for most of the islands. The project will support the Government of Cape Verde’s efforts to increase energy production from renewable resources and its target to generate at least 50% of electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020. The project, titled SPWA-CC (GEF Strategic Program for West Africa- Climate Change) Promoting Market Based Development of Small to Medium Scale Renewable Energy Systems in Cape Verde, will promote the establishment of renewable energy systems through several components.

The first component of the project will demonstrate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of renewable energy systems in Cape Verde. Building on these demonstrations, the second component will develop an investment and business strategy and work on the consolidation of a regulatory framework upon which the development of a renewable energy system will work best for the country. Finally, training and awareness raising programs will ensure the long term application of the systems. The project will be implemented by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). [Project Documents]