Cape Verde renewable energy

The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) will receive technical assistance (TA) and hardware in order to develop an R&D plan, analyze energy needs and resources, and design, build, and test prototype devices. The wind component will support a program consisting of the following activities: (1) installation and maintenance of available wind systems; (2) provision of wind measuring equipment and development of data analysis capabilities to establish a wind energy potential data base; (3) installation of Mindelo windmills in Santiago to stimulate local awareness and participation; (4) installation of powerful prototype wind pumps; (5) installation of human-powered pumps; and (6) studying the feasibility of an integrated wind/electric/hydro system in Tarrafal. Renewable, non-wind, energy devices to be constructed, tested, and adapted include solar cookers, stills, food dryers, biogas digesters, wood stoves, and a solar powered gypsum processor. A U.S. solar engineer will help plan and initiate this component. Finally, an R&D center/workshop will be established by the Government of Cape Verde. The project will contribute the services of a solar engineer, equipment and supplies, short-term TA, baseline technical training, and technical literature. To ensure administrative cohesion in implementing the project, an informal committee composed of representatives of participating Ministries will be established. The present staffing of the MRD will be strengthened with the addition of an electrical engineer, a mechanical workshop technician foreman, an instrument technician, and a solar technician.