Praia, Sept. 1, 2025 (Lusa) - The new wind turbines that have arrived in Cabo Verde are five times more powerful than the existing ones, generate energy even in weak winds and should start producing their first kilowatts in October, Cabeólica has announced.
"The current turbines have a nominal power of 850 kW, while these reach 4,500. We're talking about units that are five times more powerful, capable of producing more energy and ensuring that wind energy represents up to 30% of national production," Cabeólica's technical director, Valdemar Lopes, told Lusa in the port of Praia, during the unloading of materials from the ship that docked on Saturday.
Once installed, these turbines will be the "tallest structures in the country", with 105 metres to the hub and around 180 metres to the tip of the blade, according to the representative.
The project is part of the national energy transition targets for 2025/2026, which include increasing the share of renewables in the electricity mix to at least 30% and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
By 2030, Cabo Verde aims to achieve 50% of its energy from renewable sources.
"With this expansion, the country becomes less dependent on international factors that we don't control, ensuring that it is more sustainable and energy secure," he added.
According to the official, while existing turbines start generating energy from winds of four metres per second, these can produce energy from winds of three metres per second, meaning they are more efficient.
They are also more technologically advanced, adjusting to the complexities of island grids.
Transport to the Santiago Wind Farm begins on 3 September and is expected to take around two weeks.
"We had to study the entire route from the port to the wind farm, adjusting the route through city streets as the blades were 75 metres long. It's a logistical challenge, but everything is going according to schedule," said Valdemar Lopes.
The transport operations will pass through areas in the city of Praia, including Lém Ferreira, Achada Grande, the airport, and São Francisco, with the support of various entities, such as the National Police, to minimise traffic impacts.
The equipment will be moved mainly during off-peak hours.
International companies specialising in logistics and turbine installation are supporting the whole process.
The expansion will enable the reduction of more than 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, reaching 100,000 tonnes with Cabeólica's global operation, while also strengthening energy independence through the use of turbines and batteries, and making electricity more competitive.
"In October, we expect to produce the first kilowatts, with the gradual commissioning of the entire project. By the end of the year, the battery energy storage system will also be operational, increasing the injected energy capacity and the stability of the grid," said the technical director.
RS/ADB // ADB.
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