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Fogo, Cabo Verde – July 18, 2024 – The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CEREEC) is pleased to announce the inauguration of an electrification project through a clean energy mini-grid system in the locality of Chã das Caldeiras on the island of Fogo, Cabo Verde. The project was developed and implemented in partnership with the AgroCoopCha cooperative, with funding from the Cabo Verde government, ECREEE through the ECOWAS Special Intervention Fund (ESIF), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This project represents an important milestone in the island’s development, with the achievement of universal access to electricity.
The aim of the project, which includes an installed solar photovoltaic capacity of 40KWp, a battery energy storage capacity of 150KWh, a 50 kVA generator, 5 kilometers of underground electricity distribution network and connections for 210 households, is to ensure the electrification of a community of around 800 inhabitants in Chã das Caldeiras.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, Dr. Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Executive Director of ECREEE, Mr. Francis Sempore, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America in Cabo Verde, Mrs. Margaret McElligott, the Mayor of Santa Catarina, Dr. Alberto Nunes, the representative of AgroCoopCha and other representatives of the government and municipality of Santa Catarina.
The Fogo mini-grid project is one of many ECOWAS Special Intervention Fund (ESIF) initiatives implemented by ECREEE. During the year, ECREEE has successfully inaugurated clean energy projects (clean energy mini-grids, solar home systems, solar pumping systems for drinking water and irrigation) Nigeria, The Gambia, and Togo, demonstrating its leadership in promoting renewable energy across West Africa, while bringing access to sustainable energy to the most vulnerable communities.
The Centre remains committed to its mission of expanding access to renewable energy, increasing energy security, and mitigating the effects of climate change through innovative and sustainable projects. The successful electrification of Fogo is a prime example of a renewable energy project and represents a breakthrough in the region’s energy landscape. In the coming months, other ESIF-funded clean energy projects will be inaugurated in Benin, Ghana and Senegal by ECREEE.