Electric Mobility as a way to achieve energy transition in Cape Verde
The Cape Verde government reinforced its commitment to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, in alignment with the recently approved for projects integrated in the National Energy Sustainability Programme.
In an interview with Expresso das Ilhas, Energy Minister, Alexandre Monteiro announced the approval of a 70 million euros funding from the European Investment Bank and the European Union, in order to develop a pumping and storage station to be built in the municipality of Ribeira Grande de Santiago.
The government's focus on renewable energy and energy transition will allow for a 22% reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels for energy production, the Minister assured.
Amongst this government investment, the Cape Verdean newspaper interview revealed the possibility of increasing incentives for the purchase of taxis with electric motors.
According to the Minister, "according to the latest statistics, we have over 150 electric vehicles circulating in the country. But the important thing is that we are creating conditions for the acceleration phase, because electric mobility accompanies the energy transition. We don't want to transform fossil energy into energy to power these vehicles. The intention is to take even renewable energy".
What are the needs arising from the growth of electric mobility?
The Cape Verdean company, ALER Member, Águas de Ponta Preta, reflects on the consequences that arise from this technological development:
"One of the main benefits that comes from electric mobility is the reduction of fossil fuels. Since electric vehicles do not cause emissions while functioning, they contribute effectively to the environment conservation.
However, the source to recharge electric vehicle batteries can be responsible for large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions if they come from non-renewable sources.
Thus, it is important to stablish renewable energy as a way to recharge electric vehicles. Their popularity can encourage new investments in renewable energy and the investment in recharging infrastructures.
It is also important to reflect on the availability of recharging stations in Cape Verde. While it is possible to charge electric vehicles at home, the development of public/private charging infrastructure is important to contribute to greater sustainability and versatility in the Cape Verdean market.
Overall, the benefits of electric mobility are clear, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed for the electric mobility market to function at its full potential.
With the development of electric vehicles technology to ensure more autonomy, along with the increase of recharging stations and the acceleration of the energy transition to renewable options (such as solar and wind), electric mobility will play a very important role in the future of the transport sector in Cape Verde and will be one of the country's biggest technological developments."
Source: Águas de Ponta Preta
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