WSHPDR_2013_Final_Report-updated_version

Studies conducted by EMAE conclude that the country
has potential for additional hydropower generation,
but more analysis needs to be carried out. Preliminary
feasibility studies for 14 sites suggest investment costs
ranging from US$3,000 to US$10,000 per installed
kW. 4
Renewable energy policy
Currently the Government has a strong focus on crude
oil production with oil expected to start flowing in
2016. Agreements with Nigeria and infrastructural
development for fossil fuel excavation dominate
political activity. There have been some efforts to
consider diversification practices to avoid the negative
impact of low growth and high unemployment outside
of the oil sector. 6 It will be important that other
energy options with a longer term future are
considered for the sustainable development of the
islands.
Barriers to small hydropower development
Reportedly, a vision for the energy sector is missing
and planning capacity in the Ministry and the national
utility needs to be enhanced. Various donors have
small, insular projects that are neither integrated into
a wider vision or strategy, nor are they connected to
the relatively small grid. 3 The focus of the
Government on future oil production is also diverting
attention from small hydropower development.
Reference:
1. Central Intelligence Agency (2011). The World
Factbook. Available from
www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/.
2. European Union Energy Information Partner
Dialogue Facility (2011). Newsletter No. 07, June.
3. São Tomé and Príncipe, Ministry of Planning and
Finance (2010). Empresa de Água e Electricidade de
São Tomé. Desempenho Económico-financeiro Ano
económico 2010. Ministério do Plano e Finanças de
São Tomé e Príncipe. Available from www.minfinancas.st/pdf/rel_fin_EMAE.pdf.
4. Clean Energy Portal - Reegle (2011). Energy Profile:
São Tomé and Príncipe. Available from
www.reegle.info/countries/sao-tome-and-principeenergy-profile/ST.
5. International Journal on Hydropower and Dams
(2011). World Atlas and Industry Guide 2011. Surrey,
UK: Aquamedia International
6. Jones, B., Perrault, J. and Pitamber, S. (2011). São
Tomé and Príncipe: Maximising Oil Wealth for
Equitable Growth and Sustainable Socio-economic
Development. African Development Bank.
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