Cabo Verde’s energy policy is focused on reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering the energy bill, as a means to ensure access to sustainable, modern, and affordable energy. The country has explicitly committed to the Energy Transition and the Decarbonization of the Economy by 2050.
Decarbonization, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), refers to the process of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions (mainly CO₂) associated with human activities, with the aim of achieving low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission economies. Key elements of decarbonization, as defined by the UNFCCC, include:
- Energy transition – increasing the share of renewable energy and energy efficiency;
- Systemic changes – redesigning economic and industrial systems to reduce carbon dependency;
- Key sectors – such as energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and forests;
- Equity and climate justice;
- Carbon removal – including nature-based solutions such as reforestation and ecosystem restoration.
The energy transition is considered critical to achieving the decarbonization of economies and limiting the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C. This requires international cooperation, financing, capacity building, and technology transfer.
Energy Transition, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), refers to the process of transforming the global energy system to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable energy sources. In addition to boosting the use of renewables, the energy transition also promotes energy efficiency and the decarbonization of the transport sector.
According to the UNFCCC, the energy transition must be just and equitable, considering:
- Socioeconomic dimensions – ensuring the shift to clean energy does not harm workers, communities, or economies, especially in developing countries;
- Social protection – mitigating negative impacts through policies that support decent jobs and social inclusion;
- National priorities – respecting each country’s specific circumstances and capabilities, in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
Energy Efficiency (EE) is the optimization of energy use to reduce consumption without compromising people’s well-being or the production of goods and services.
EE can be achieved through the adoption of technologies, practices, and policies that enable economic and social activities to be carried out with lower energy consumption. It contributes to GHG emission reductions and supports the achievement of global climate goals.
Electric mobility refers to the use of vehicles and transport systems powered by electric motors, replacing internal combustion engines (which use gasoline or diesel). This transition contributes to reducing GHG emissions and supports the decarbonization of the transport sector.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that can absorb and retain heat in the atmosphere. This process is essential for keeping Earth’s temperature within a habitable range. However, the excessive increase of these gases due to human activities intensifies the greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
The main GHGs are: carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF₆).
Mitigation, under the UNFCCC framework, refers to actions and strategies aimed at reducing GHG emissions or increasing their absorption from the atmosphere, with the goal of limiting global warming and reducing its climate impacts.
Jaqueline Pina
Technician at the National Directorate of Industry, Trade and Energy – Energy Service