Praia, Dec. 17, 2025 (Lusa) - A project developed in Cabo Verde by an international expert shows that the archipelago can produce hydrogen from wind and waves, transform waste into biogas and develop food production, creating jobs and reducing imports.

"Cabo Verde has the capacity to produce 100,000 tonnes of hydrogen using wind and wave power, an enormous potential that no one had identified before," and could be "a hub in the Atlantic to sell to ships travelling between Europe and the United States," said Gunter Pauli during a visit to the Mindelo Cruise Port on the island of São Vicente.

The expert said that, in addition, through the islands of Santo Antão, São Vicente and Sal, Cabo Verde has the potential to produce wind energy, becoming 100% self-sufficient and with export capacity.

"The potential of the island of São Vicente alone is 17 megawatts of wind at 200, 300, 400 metres above sea level. This indicates that Cabo Verde, with just these three islands studied, is totally self-sufficient. It is not 50%, it is 100% self-sufficient," he added.

Another opportunity identified is the use of black water, organic waste and cruise ship waste for the production of biogas.

"Organic waste from cruise ships can produce biogas and generate fertiliser, which we need for more productive agriculture," he explained.

He added that 65 hectares have been identified on the island of Sal for fish and shrimp production.

In addition, another 100 hectares have been identified north of Sal for food production, with the potential to generate 1,200 jobs.

"This will replace the importation of fruit and vegetables. Hotels should transform waste management into biogas management, allowing the country to avoid importing this resource," he said.

The expert also revealed that he intends to visit all the islands of Cabo Verde to identify opportunities on each of them, including Santiago, Fogo and Boa Vista, as well as São Vicente, Sal and Santo Antão.

Gunter Pauli, founder of Blue Innovation, signed an agreement in November with the Cabo Verdean public port company (Enapor) to develop the "portfolio of opportunities for the islands" project.

The project aims to involve all the islands and create a cooperation structure that will enable the development of a portfolio of sustainable opportunities for the nation, promoting innovation, economic growth and environmental balance.

RS/AYLS // AYLS

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