The island nation of Cabo Verde — located off the West African coast — has officially inaugurated its largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant. Known as the Santa Maria Solar PV Plant, the project marks a significant step forward in the country's renewable energy ambitions.
Santa Maria Solar PV Plant: A Landmark Project for Sal Island
The Santa Maria Solar PV Plant — situated on Sal Island — is a cornerstone of Cabo Verde's renewable energy strategy. Spanning an eight-hectare site in the Fátima and Santa Maria region, the ground-mounted solar PV plant has a capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). Built by the local company Aguas de Solar Ponta Preta, the facility also features a 6-megawatt-hour (MWh) storage system, thereby enhancing its energy delivery efficiency.
The project aims to increase Sal Island’s renewable energy penetration to over 40%, a significant leap above the national target of 30% renewable energy by 2026. Speaking at the inauguration in September 2024, Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, praised the project as a national milestone. He called it “the largest solar park in Cabo Verde in terms of capacity and technology.”
Cabo Verde is striving to transition its energy system toward sustainability. With a population of 598,682 as of 2023 and an electricity access rate of 93%, the country has prioritized renewable energy development. Its total energy capacity reached 433 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in 2022, with most of the supply coming from thermal power plants. Wind and solar power contribute significantly but have room for growth.
The intermediate goal for Cabo Verde is ambitious yet achievable. By 2030, the government aims to produce more than 50% of its electricity through renewable energy sources. The Santa Maria Solar PV Plant aligns with this objective by setting a benchmark for future projects.
Sal Island Leads the Charge
Sal Island is emerging as a leader in Cabo Verde’s renewable energy journey. The Santa Maria Solar PV Plant's impressive capacity and advanced technology make it a flagship project for the island. Sal Island has surpassed national energy targets by increasing renewable energy penetration to over 40%.
The project’s storage capacity also plays a critical role. The 6MWh storage system ensures a stable energy supply by storing excess solar power during peak production. This stored energy can then be used during periods of low solar generation, thus ensuring consistent electricity availability for the island’s residents and businesses.
The Santa Maria Solar PV Plant is part of a broader initiative to expand solar energy production in Cabo Verde. The government has announced plans for eight additional solar parks across the country. These projects are expected to generate more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of electricity annually, significantly contributing to the nation’s energy grid.
This wave of investments underscores Cabo Verde's commitment to renewable energy. It also demonstrates the government's focus on leveraging solar energy as a key resource. Cabo Verde’s geographical location — characterized by high solar irradiance — makes it an ideal candidate for solar power projects.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Santa Maria Solar PV Plant is more than just an energy project; it is a driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability. By reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, the plant helps Cabo Verde save on energy costs. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, thus aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Moreover, the project creates job opportunities for local communities. From construction to maintenance, renewable energy projects like the Santa Maria Solar PV Plant provide employment and skill development for Cabo Verdeans.
Cabo Verde’s renewable energy ambitions extend beyond 2030. The nation aims to achieve full energy independence through renewable sources in the coming decades. Projects like the Santa Maria Solar PV Plant are laying the foundation for this vision. By integrating advanced technologies and scaling up renewable energy capacity, Cabo Verde is setting an example for other small island nations.
The Santa Maria Solar PV Plant is a transformative project for Cabo Verde. As the nation’s largest solar park, it sets new standards for capacity, technology, and sustainability. The project not only advances Cabo Verde’s renewable energy targets but also positions Sal Island as a leader in the transition to clean energy.