The Cape Verde Islands are no stranger to wind and sunshine. With up to 350 sunny days a year, the island state in the Atlantic Ocean is using its resources to generate around ten percent of its energy needs - by the year 2020 it should be almost half. That makes Cape Verde a pioneer among west African states. Its goals are climate protection and affordable energy for all.

Cape Verde is still heavily dependent on diesel and heavy oil imports for its energy production. Electricity prices are significantly higher than in Europe. So it's an ideal place for renewable energies - and there is no shortage of either wind or sunshine. The government of the island state has become the first in west Africa to pass a renewable energy law. The legislation is supported by Ecreee, an organization of 15 west African states.