Smart Grids for the City of Praia: Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

The current state of the electrical sector in Praia (Cape Verde capital city) is characterized by the high cost of electricity and high levels of technical and commercial losses which is caused by the lack of resources of fossil origin. It is also aggravated by an inadequate investment policy forcing a deep restructuring of the entire sector. In order to take advantage of the existing local natural resources and to have a more efficient, robust, and a fair electric system, it seems inevitable to bet on innovative, intelligent, and secure technology which allows tight integration of renewable energy –mainly wind and photo-voltaic energy. In this regard, the present article discusses the economic, social, and environmental impacts of a smart grid for Praia city. Based on a proposed SG architecture that integrates the existing endogenous resources and technologies, it was possible to identify the main advantages and challenges that the implementation of SG technologies would have for the city.