Both projects contribute to the national vision “São Tomé e Príncipe 2030: the country we need to build", which aims to transform the country into a climate-resilient and vibrant island hub for blue economy business, financial services and tourism, benefitting from the growing market of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). The success of the national vision depends on a power sector reform and a transformational shift of the entire energy system from complete fossil fuel import dependency to renewable energy and energy efficiency. 

Currently, the small island developing state (SIDS) has one of the highest power generation and transport costs in Sub Sahara Africa. The dependency on fossil fuel imports for energy generation and transportation questions the macro-economic stability of the country and hampers the productivity of key island industries. A transition will lead to a significant reduction of fossil fuel import spending and free up scarce hard currency resources for social and economic development, as well as climate adaptation. 

Therefore, UNIDO supported DGRNE in the development of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) and National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), which include quantifiable and feasible overall targets and sub-targets (by sector, thematic area and/or technology) by 2030 and 2050. 

The NEEAP defines the improvement of the transport fuel economy and the switch towards renewable based electric mobility as a priority area. The transport sector accounts for more than 40% of CO2 emissions and contributes to negative health impacts due to air pollution (e.g. pollutants such as SO2, O3, CO, NOx, PM2.5). Moreover, high prices for transport services hamper the productivity and competitiveness local businesses. 

Therefore, over the past months, UNIDO has supported the Government in the development of baseline reports, roadmaps, standards and regulations to improve the transport fuel economy and kick-start the market uptake for electric vehicles. The documents provide an interesting model for replication within the ECCAS region through the new Central African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CEREEAC).