Portuguese cleantech company Cleanwatts has signed an agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe in Africa for the production and sale of clean energy. The company will collaborate with the public utility Power and Water Company (EMAE) to install solar power plants across the country. Contact online >>
Portuguese cleantech company Cleanwatts has signed an agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe in Africa for the production and sale of clean energy. The company will collaborate with the public utility Power and Water Company (EMAE) to install solar power plants across the country.
The first phase of the program will include the installation of solar PV plants at the São Tomé international airport, as well as on the island of Príncipe, with capacities of 1.1 kW and 300 kW, respectively. Cleanwatts'' local partner Pleno Ambiente STP will undertake the installation, operation, and maintenance works.
The new deal will go a long way towards revolutionizing São Tomé and Príncipe''s relationship with energy, along with addressing gaps in affordability and security of supply. The clean energy produced by these plants will be directly fed into the national grid.
According to Basilio Simoes, Cleanwatts Co-Founder and Vice Chairman, the airport solar plant would take less than three months and whereas the bigger plant may take up to two years to build.
"In addition to the above-stated projects, we will be providing smart metering in 20,000 homes and 1,500 large customers/distribution networks to monitor the electrical usage in São Tomé and Principe as part of an international public tender," commented Simoes.
Michael Pinto, CEO of Cleanwatts CEO, said, that the African island states are a promising growth segment for local energy markets and energy communities. Their projects in São Tomé and Príncipe aim to reduce dependence on imported energy through the production of locally generated clean energy.
Osvaldo Abreu, the Minister of Infrastructure and National Resources mentioned the new solar projects as "the result of a great joint effort" by the institutions and companies involved. Abreu also noted that the solar panels and other equipment have arrived in São Tomé''s Port of Ana Chaves, following delays due to the shortage of maritime transport.
Currently, nearly 92% of the total energy produced in São Tomé and Príncipe is generated from diesel generators. The government of this African island country has committed to reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 50% by 2030.
The government is also working with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to develop and advance its National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Action Plans. The plans will include feasible and quantifiable targets and sub-targets (by sector, thematic area, and technology) by 2030 and 2050.
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, is currently facing a critical challenge in its energy sector. The country’s energy market is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, which are not only expensive but also contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. However, the nation’s abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, present a unique opportunity to transform its energy market and pave the way for sustainable development.
One of the primary reasons for São Tomé and Príncipe’s reliance on fossil fuels is the lack of a robust energy infrastructure. The country’s power grid is outdated and inefficient, leading to frequent power outages and limited access to electricity for many citizens. This situation has prompted the government to explore alternative energy sources to meet the growing demand for electricity and reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The potential of renewable energy sources in São Tomé and Príncipe’s energy market is immense. The country’s tropical climate and geographical location make it an ideal candidate for solar and wind energy generation. The abundant sunshine and strong trade winds that blow across the islands can be harnessed to produce clean, renewable energy, reducing the need for expensive and polluting fossil fuels.
In recent years, there have been several initiatives aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy in São Tomé and Príncipe. For instance, the government has partnered with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union to implement projects focused on expanding access to renewable energy sources. These projects have led to the installation of solar panels in schools, hospitals, and other public buildings, as well as the construction of small-scale wind farms and hydropower plants.
Furthermore, the government has introduced incentives to encourage private investment in renewable energy projects. These incentives include tax breaks, low-interest loans, and streamlined permitting processes for renewable energy projects. As a result, several private companies have expressed interest in investing in the country’s renewable energy sector, particularly in solar and wind power generation.
However, despite these positive developments, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to fully unlock the potential of renewable energy sources in São Tomé and Príncipe’s energy market. One of the main challenges is the lack of technical expertise and skilled labor in the country. The development of renewable energy projects requires specialized knowledge and skills, which are currently in short supply in the country. To overcome this challenge, the government and its international partners have been working to provide training and capacity-building programs for local engineers and technicians.
Another challenge is the need for significant investments in the country’s energy infrastructure. The existing power grid needs to be upgraded and expanded to accommodate the increased generation capacity from renewable energy sources. This will require substantial financial resources, which may be difficult to secure given the country’s limited fiscal space and competing development priorities.
In conclusion, São Tomé and Príncipe’s energy market holds great potential for the development of renewable energy sources. The country’s abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources can be harnessed to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve access to electricity, and promote sustainable development. However, realizing this potential will require concerted efforts by the government, private sector, and international partners to address the various challenges that currently hinder the growth of the renewable energy sector. By working together, these stakeholders can help transform São Tomé and Príncipe’s energy market and set the country on a path towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe expects to launch two national action plans in September 2021 with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). The two plans are the National Action Plan for Renewable Energy and the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, which will support the development of renewable energy in the country as well as efficient consumption. The Government of São Tome and Principe is working to achieve a 50% renewable energy rate in its energy mix by 2030, explains the UNIDO National Project Coordinator at the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Energy (DGRNE), Gabriel Maquengo.
São Tome and Principe has been working in collaboration with UNIDO, the World Bank, UNDP and other organisations to implement renewable energy projects in the country. The most advanced renewable energy project currently is the Santo Amaro solar photovoltaic power plant with 2.2 MWp, which is expected to be operational in early 2022. It is located next to the Santo Amaro thermal power plant (more info here).
There is also the rehabilitation project of the Papagaio hydro plant of up to 1MW on the island of Príncipe, which is still in its study phase and scheduled to start operating in 2024. The rehabilitation plans are under the responsibility of UNIDO, UNDP and ETISP (Energy Transition and Institutional Support Programme) of the African Development Bank, which also includes two solar PV projects, technical strengthening and maintenance of the thermal plants. Also on the island of Príncipe, there are plans to develop a 4.5 MWp solar photovoltaic plant.
Currently, the rate of renewable energy production in the energy mix in Sao Tome and Principe is 5% from the Contador hydroelectric plant with 1.9 MW.
The country is also working to develop four hydroelectric projects of 14 MW in total under a build-own-operate regime in Yô Grande and Bombaim.
One of the challenges being addressed in UNIDO''s programme is the lack of experienced local professionals. During project development, UNIDO and other partners have been contracting international companies that also work with the national technicians for knowledge transfer. This comes with the purpose that in a very near future will be possible to develop projects locally without relying on international companies.
Still in this transitional phase, a 12.5 MW biomass project is expected to be developed by CISAN in Agua Casada in the Lobata region, having already been signed a power purchase agreement. Four projects of 15 to 10 MW are being planned by companies like Solo Solar Energy and CISAN, although the current pandemic situation caused by COVID-19 is not allowing the desired development for these projects.
Apart from solar PV and hydropower projects, the government also hopes to make use of new and emerging technologies. A major opportunity lies in ocean technologies that have yet to be made affordable.
A study is underway by theSupport Program for Small Island Developing (SIDS Dock) to understand the potential of marine energy in the SIDS. At the moment, the technology is still very expensive, but the effect of these new energy production tools could be great. Sao Tome and Principe has shown great willingness to adopt new initiatives to develop a sustainable energy sector.
Despite the problems in power generation, the lack of definition of some policies and regulatory issues, the negative impact of dependence on fossil fuels and the lack of local knowledge and experience, São Tomé and Príncipe is on the right path and has taken steps that prove its commitment to the energy transition.
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