This article presents a case study of the struggles of South Sudan, the newest country to develop a new electricity grid, and the strategic choices it faces in a post-conflict situation. In addition to the energy tri.
What is a solar power plant in South Sudan?
Image: The recently launched 20MW solar energy plant in South Sudan. Credit: Ezra Group A public-private partnership in South Sudan has launched the country's first major solar power plant and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the capital Juba, where it is expected to provide electricity to thousands of homes.
How does South Sudan import electricity from Sudan?
South Sudan imports a small amount of electricity from Sudan through a 32 MW/220 kV interconnector in Upper Nile State that distributes power to local customers through the Renk substation, but the supply from this line has been unreliable due to the power shortage in Sudan.
What is the grid-based electricity situation in South Sudan?
At present, the grid-based electricity situation in South Sudan is characterized by routine power outages and lack of efficiency in the distribution system . In fact, in 2020, 580 GWh or nearly 100 % of electricity was produced from oil and gas, and just 1 GWh from renewable sources .
What is the energy access rate in South Sudan?
South Sudan has one of the lowest energy access rates in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the world. While 46 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa's population now has access to electricity, the energy access rate in South Sudan is estimated to be only 5.3 percent based on recent World Bank-funded primary research.
What is the future of electricity in South Sudan?
According to recent projections, in the long term, the demand for electricity in South Sudan could grow to 1400 MW by 2030. In sum, the fundamental challenge for South Sudan is to build new public service infrastructure and refurbish depleted water, energy, transportation, and communication systems.
Why is South Sudan struggling to get electricity?
Despite having an abundance of energy resources, particularly fossil fuels, South Sudan struggles to give its citizens access to electricity. The long period of historical neglect of the region by the Sudanese government before independence and the recent conflict, is the primary cause of the current energy challenges.