National Economy
The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa. The population of São Tomé and Príncipe is approximately 230,000 people[1].
The nation consists of two archipelagos around the two largest islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. The island nation is located approximately 150 miles off the northwest coast of the country of Gabon.
In 2022, São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy was ranked 202nd in the world in gross domestic product (GDP)[2]. The country’s economy is dependent on the export[3] of cocoa beans, palm oil, gas turbines, aircraft parts, and iron integrated circuits.
Environment Policies
In 2016, São Tomé and Príncipe signed the Paris Climate Agreement[4], committing to a series of actions to reduce greenhouse gas emission below business-as-usual levels.
Power Generation Capabilities
In 2020, 76.6% of the people in São Tomé and Príncipe had access to electricity[5]. In 2021, state-owned Empresa de Água e Electricidade (EMAE) used oil (90.0%) and renewable energy (10.0%) to generate electricity in São Tomé and Príncipe[6]. Hydropower is the dominant type of renewable energy used to generate electricity in this island nation.
Recent renewable energy projects in São Tomé and Príncipe include:
- 1,100 kW Solar Project – In December 2022, Portuguese company, Cleanwatts commissioned a solar project for the airport on the island of São Tomé.
- 540 kW Solar Project – In August 2022, state-owned Empresa de Água e Electricidade (EMAE) commissioned the first phase of a 2 MW solar project in the city of Santo Amaro on the island of São Tomé.
- 300 kW Solar Project – In December 2022, Cleanwatts commissioned a solar project for the airport on the island of Principe.
- 300 kW Solar Project – Cleanwatts is continuing work on a solar project on the island of São Tomé. The project is forecast to be commissioned by year-end 2023.
Conclusions
São Tomé and Príncipe imports all the nation’s refined petroleum for power generation and transportation. In 2020, São Tomé and Príncipe spent[7] U.S. $116.7 Million just for imported refined petroleum.
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, prompting the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to place economic sanctions on Russian imports and exports. As a result, the crude oil and natural gas prices increased by over 50% from May 2021 to May 2022.
São Tomé and Príncipe has significant renewable energy resource potential, including solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass. São Tomé and Príncipe are turning to the photovoltaic solar panels to replace expensive, diesel-fueled power plants.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jack kerfoot.com
Jack Kerfoot is a scientist, energy expert, and author of the book FUELING AMERICA, An Insider’s Journey and articles for The Hill, one of the largest independent political news sites in the United States. He has been interviewed on over 100 radio, podcast, and television stations from New York City to Los Angeles discussing a diverse range of energy issues and topics.
[1] São Tomé and Príncipe Population (2023) – April 12, 2023, www.worldometers.info
[2] Gross Domestic Product By Country 2022 – Worldometer
[3] The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) – São Tomé and Príncipe
[4] Carbon Brief “Paris 2015: Tracking Country Climate Pledges”
[5] World Bank, Access To Electricity (% Population) – São Tomé and Príncipe
[6] Our World In Data, São Tomé and Príncipe: Energy Country Profile by Hanna Ritchie and Max Roser
[7] The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC) – São Tomé and Príncipe Imports