On November 27, the new 6 MW / 6 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), engineered and installed by WinPower, S.A. on the island of Santiago, Cabo Verde, was officially inaugurated, reinforcing the country’s commitment to cleaner, more resilient and technologically advanced energy infrastructures.
The ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde and attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Energy, as well as institutional partners, stakeholders and community representatives, highlighting the national relevance of the project and its contribution to Cabo Verde’s pathway towards a more sustainable energy future. The event also marked the signing of the long-term financing agreement between Cabeólica and the European Investment Bank (EIB), in the presence of the European Union and the Government of Cabo Verde.
This project forms part of Cabeólica’s Expansion Plan and was made possible through a strong and coordinated commitment involving key strategic partners, including Electra, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and A. P. Moller Capital, whose investments have been instrumental in strengthening the country’s renewable energy capacity. The European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the African Development Bank further reinforced this vision through the formalisation of a dedicated financing agreement, which was fundamental to bringing this milestone to fruition.
About the Santiago BESS
With an installed capacity of 6 MW / 6 MWh, the system plays a critical role in enhancing grid flexibility, frequency regulation, spinning reserve capability, and the integration of renewable energy from the adjacent wind farm.
As EPC contractor, WinPower, S.A. was responsible for the full delivery of the project, including:
- full engineering and project design;
- procurement and associated logistics, including the management of transportation across multiple countries and to Cabo Verde;
- execution of all civil and architectural works, including foundations, cable trenches and equipment platforms;
- mechanical and electrical installation, covering MV, LV and DC systems;
- integrated solution with fully equipped battery containers;
- grid-forming PCS with Black Start capability, suitable for islanded operation and system restoration;
- fire detection and suppression systems (NOVEC), gas detection and HVAC for thermal and environmental control;
- dry-type transformers, MV switchgear (20 kV), LV distribution switchboards and multifunction protection relays;
- complete Auxiliary Services Container, including UPS, auxiliary transformer, MCCs, control panels and local HMI;
- SCADA integration, including EMS interface and communication protocols with the national grid operator;
- system testing, commissioning and energisation.
This BESS was designed not only to support peak shaving and renewable smoothing, but primarily to provide frequency regulation, fast active and reactive power response, reduction of wind and solar curtailment, and support for future smart grid functionalities across the national transmission system.
As the first of four BESS installations currently underway in Cabo Verde, this commissioning represents a decisive step towards a more stable, efficient and sustainable power system across the archipelago.
At WinPower, S.A., we are proud to contribute to the advancement of Cabo Verde’s energy infrastructure by delivering robust engineering solutions aligned with international standards, operational reliability and long-term sustainability.
