Indie energy South Sudan

Why is South Sudan facing a serious energy crisis?

South Sudan faces a serious energy crisis due to a number of factors, including devastating conflicts (e.g. 1955-172, 1983-2005 & 2013–present) and reliance on the fossil fuel source. The country has the lowest energy consumption rate in Africa and the highest cost of producing energy (World Bank, 2016).

Why is energy infrastructure underdeveloped in South Sudan?

Partly due to the civil wars (e.g., 1955-1972, 1983-2005 & 2013-present), energy infrastructure remains very underdeveloped in South Sudan. Despite a peace agreement in 2015, which has been revitalized recently, conflict has impeded the country’s effort in transitioning to renewable energy.

How much does electricity cost in Sudan?

As for Ethiopia, Sudan imports electricity at a price of 4.5 cents/kilowatt . In August 2021, the Minister of Energy and Petroleum declared that the Sudanese energy sector needed urgent maintenance and restructuring at a cost of $3 billion, another indicator of the dire financial needs of the sector .

How does lack of electricity affect business in South Sudan?

Specifically, over 75% of firms surveyed in South Sudan complained that lack of energy hinders business operation. Second, lack of electricity drives up costs as businesses and families try to produce their own power, which is extremely expensive.

Is oil the right form of energy for South Sudan?

However, oil is not the right form of energy to meet South Sudan’s rising energy demand due to (1) high costs (e.g. high costs of fuel and generator repair), (2) sporadic diesel fuel supply, (3) inefficiency and unsustainability and (4) detrimental health impacts on people and environment.

How can Sudan achieve energy self-sufficiency?

Encouraging solar and wind power in the country’s energy portfolio could help Sudan achieve its goal of energy self-sufficiency. Egyptian policies such as nurturing and promoting renewable technologies and scientific research, feed-in tariffs, and tax exemptions could help Sudan achieve its objectives.