by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 8:48 AM ET, Sat November 25, 2017
World powers take note: For a small country of 550,000 people spread over 10 islands, this is a very ambitious (and admirable) goal.
The remote island nation of Cabo Verde-located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, about 370 miles from the coast of West Africa-has announced it intends to be completely reliant on renewable energy sources by 2025, according to the Independent.
Among the energy options Cabo Verde is considering are solar, wind, marine energy and also energy storage (such as batteries).
The decision to fully transition to renewable energy sources is part of the nation's "sustainable energy for all" agenda, which is designed to protect the environment while also reducing electricity costs for locals.
The move is particularly remarkable for Cabo Verde because it lacks the large hydropower resources present in other countries leading renewable energy use. The nation would be unique in achieving a 100 percent renewable energy goal using diverse resources, the Independent reported.
What it lacks in hydropower, it makes up for with its abundance of sun and wind-two of the primary sources of renewable energy.
Most of the electricity on the islands is currently created by generators that run on imported petroleum. In addition, about one-third of the population continues to rely on firewood and charcoal. (About one-quarter of the nation's energy is already provided by renewable sources.)
In 2010, the Cape Verde government produced a study that outlined the benefits of investing in such things as solar power plants and wind turbines, according to the Independent. The study indicated that the country would benefit in many ways if it could completely divest from fossil fuel imports.
"Cape Verde wants to serve as a laboratory," Energy Minster Anildo Costa said, according to the Independent. "We'll invest in technological innovations so we can learn more over time, and fully adopt those technologies once they become profitable for the country."
Among the emerging technologies being considered for use is ocean thermal energy conversion, Lonely Planet reported. The process involves using the difference between warm surface waters and frigid, deep ocean water to create electricity. There's also talk of scheduling the use of the nation's desalination systems (which many Cape Verde communities rely on for drinking water) around times when wind turbines are operating.
Not only is the African nation focused on shifting itself entirely to renewable energy use, it has also pledged to help other countries as well.
Plenty will be watching.
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