Cape Verde's renewable energy policy was presented at an international conference held in Washington, D.C. by Minister of the Economy, Growth and Competitiveness José Brito. The cabinet minister headed a delegation that also included the director of the Department of Industry and Energy, the coordinator of the Energy, Water and Sewage Project and representatives from water and electricity utility Electra.

According to Abraão Lopes, the director of the Department of Industry and Energy, the conference touched upon current trends in wind and solar energy, biodiesel, and tidal energy, among other areas. And Cape Verde, despite its small size, managed to stand out, considering it was one of the few countries among giants such as the United States, Canada and Brazil. "The Minister of the Economy was one of the few to speak before the plenary session of the conference, where he presented Cape Verde's energy policy with regards to renewable energies," said Lopes.

Lopes affirms that Cape Verde's government program calls for 25% of all energy to be produced in the country by 2010 to be from a renewable source, a figure that is to climb to 50% by 2020. Over the same period, the government hopes that at least one of the country's islands, which has yet to be selected, will have 100% of its electricity produced by renewable energy sources. "This penetration rate will be guaranteed by the wind farms planned for São Vicente, Santiago, Sal and Boa Vista, which have already gone to bid and the financing for which will be guaranteed through public-private partnerships."

As such, says Lopes, contacts were made during the conference with various companies and countries. "For Cape Verde, participating in a conference of this level and having staked out its position among world renewable energy technology giants such as Canada, Brazil and the United States was very important," affirms the director of the Department of Industry and Energy.