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ENERGY
SOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
STP's energy matrix is almost 95% based on non-renewable sources such as diesel, and the country spends about 44 million dollars annually on fossil fuel imports, primarily for thermal generators.
Recently, renewable energy has emerged as a viable solution to the nation’s energy challenges. The government is working on a strategy to source over 50% of energy from clean sources by 2030 and is seeking private-sector collaboration to strengthen the energy infrastructure. This transition opens significant investment opportunities for sustainable growth.
1. Solar PV Power Stations
Solar energy is among the cleanest and most sustainable resources available, as it is both renewable and inexhaustible. Advances in technology and an increase in manufacturers have fostered greater competition within the international market, resulting in a significant reduction in the prices of solar panels. This decline in costs has made the development of solar plants and parks considerably more economical. Despite the limited availability of flat land suitable for the installation of large-scale solar power facilities, photovoltaic systems continue to serve as a viable clean energy source within the country. A business model that emphasizes critical components—such as the utilization of efficient panels that optimize sunlight capture from both sides, market innovations aimed at enhancing accessibility to solar energy, and the establishment of public-private partnerships to expand existing solar energy installations—exhibits considerable potential for success. Furthermore, engaging with landowners to construct mini-power plants can further strengthen the prospects of this initiative.
2. Ocean Energy
In the context of limited land resources, the ocean presents significant potential for the advancement of various economic activities within the country, particularly in energy production. With a maritime territory that is 160 times larger than its landmass, São Tomé and Príncipe possesses immense oceanic energy potential that remains largely unexploited. The utilization of merely a fraction of this resource could sufficiently meet the nation’s total energy demand. The implementation of ocean technologies that convert oceanic areas into energy sources has the capacity to enhance energy security while preserving marine ecosystems. This approach represents a viable pathway for generating profitable renewable energy solutions.
3. Rehabilitation and operation of mini hydro plants
In São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), there is significant potential for generating renewable energy through the establishment of mini-hydroelectric plants. This initiative aims to fulfill the energy demands of both rural and urban populations, diversify the energy portfolio, and enhance national energy security. The deployment of hydroelectric facilities is also vital for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby ensuring the country's compliance with international climate agreements and objectives related to climate mitigation. A business model centered on the installation or revamping of mini-hydropower plants to contribute energy to the national grid not only generates financial returns from the currently underutilized hydro potential but also empowers remote communities. Furthermore, this model aligns with STP's goal of increasing the proportion of renewable energy within the electricity mix and improving access to reliable energy for both urban and rural areas, ultimately reducing social, economic, and environmental costs.
4. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles have emerged as a crucial component in the global effort to address climate change, leading to a significant increase in demand for these vehicles as alternatives to traditional combustion engines. The situation in São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) reflects this broader trend. In accordance with its climate commitments focused on enhancing energy efficiency, the government is in collaboration with international partners to devise a strategic plan for 2050 aimed at transitioning the conventional vehicle fleet to more efficient electric vehicles. This strategy seeks to stimulate supply through the implementation of tax incentives, with an expectation of substantial annual growth in demand. However, it is important to note that local initiatives within this sector remain limited. This context, combined with the availability of tax incentives, creates new opportunities for international companies engaged in the electric mobility industry. A business model that emphasizes the advancement of innovation within the public transportation, private transportation, and electric motorcycle sectors, thereby enhancing accessibility to these vehicles, represents a promising opportunity for revenue generation. STAND DE VENDA, CONVERSÃO E REPARAÇÃO
5. EVs Charging Station
Electric cars can be an appealing investment, but their viability is diminished without sufficient charging stations. In STP, the electrification of vehicles is gaining momentum, leading to an increasing demand for charging infrastructure. This includes the establishment of charging station networks in public and semi-public areas, as well as the development of electrified routes equipped with efficient chargers and user-friendly information systems. The goal is to enhance consumer confidence and promote the growth of electric mobility.
6. Clean Cooking
Most rural families in São Tomé and Príncipe predominantly utilize inefficient, rudimentary stoves for cooking with biomass fuels. The predominant form of improved cooking devices in use consists solely of basic charcoal stoves, which depend on firewood as their biomass energy source. A significant portion of the rural population faces considerable exposure to indoor air pollution as a result of cooking activities, exacerbated by inadequate ventilation in kitchens. Approximately 70.9% of households rely on kerosene or biomass stoves without sufficient means for ventilation. The escalating demand for firewood in São Tomé and Príncipe contributes to the degradation of forest ecosystems and results in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Implementing an innovative business model that supplies improved cooking stoves to these communities would not only assist women in conserving time during food preparation, but it would also mitigate GHG emissions arising from the unsustainable use of wood-based fuels in the domestic cooking sector. Furthermore, this initiative can potentially create a sustainable source of income.
