South Sudan has launched its first two solar microgrids in the rural towns of Maridi and Kapoeta, providing clean and reliable electricity to thousands of people for the first time. This historic achievement is part of the World Bank’s Energy Sector Access and Institutional Strengthening Project, which aims to boost electricity access and service reliability in South Sudan—one of the world’s least electrified countries. You can read more about similar projects on PVKnowhow, such as this article about two life-changing solar microgrid projects. https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/south-sudan-solar-microgrids-2-life-changing-projects-launch-2/
South Sudan Solar Microgrids: Clean Energy for Maridi and Kapoeta
The new microgrids, developed by Equatorial Power—a renewable energy company—combine solar power with battery storage, providing a dependable electricity supply to the towns. This hybrid approach ensures consistent power even when the sun isn’t shining. In Maridi, the microgrid supplies 0.6 megawatts of power to 1,190 newly connected households and small businesses. In Kapoeta, the larger microgrid provides 1.2 megawatts of power to 1,820 customers.
This initiative is a major step forward for South Sudan, where only 8% of the population has access to electricity. The microgrids are expected to significantly enhance economic opportunities, improve public services like healthcare and education, and raise living standards in Maridi and Kapoeta.
South Sudan Solar Microgrids Boosting Economic Growth and Public Services
In Maridi, the new electricity supply has already had a transformative impact on businesses and public services. Small business owner Banguwa Moses, who owns a food store in the town, said the electricity has allowed him to reduce costs and improve customer service. “I used to spend 30,000 South Sudanese Pounds (about 50 USD) a week on fuel for my generator, and the noise and fumes were terrible for my customers,” he said. “Now, with the solar power, I can run my business more efficiently and provide a better environment for my customers.” This shift to clean energy not only benefits individual businesses but also contributes to a healthier environment for the entire community.
The microgrid has also improved public services in Maridi, particularly at the Maridi Civil Hospital. Previously, the hospital relied on a 150-kilowatt diesel generator, which was expensive to run and maintain, often leading to disruptions in critical services. Now, the diesel generator serves as a backup to the solar power, providing a more reliable and sustainable energy source for the hospital.
Expanding Access to South Sudan Solar Microgrids
The success of the Maridi and Kapoeta microgrids is an important milestone in South Sudan’s efforts to expand electricity access across the country. As of 2021, only 8% of South Sudan’s population had access to electricity, with most of the power supplied by diesel generators in the capital, Juba, and a few other major towns. The lack of reliable electricity has been a major barrier to economic growth and development in the country. For further information on similar initiatives, see this article on renewable energy partnerships in Sudan. https://www.pvknowhow.com/news/renewable-energy-sudan-2024s-powerful-partnership/
The World Bank’s Energy Sector Access and Institutional Strengthening Project, which is funding these microgrids, is part of a broader effort to increase electricity access in South Sudan. The project aims to build more microgrids in rural areas and improve the reliability of the existing power grid in Juba. These efforts are crucial for supporting sustainable development and improving the lives of people across the country.
Addressing Challenges in South Sudan’s Energy Sector with Solar Microgrids
Despite the progress made with the new microgrids, South Sudan still faces significant challenges in its energy sector. The country’s power grid is small and unreliable, plagued by frequent blackouts and a lack of adequate maintenance. In Juba, the country’s capital, the power grid supplies less than half of the electricity needed, forcing many businesses and households to rely on expensive and polluting diesel generators.
To address these challenges, the South Sudan Electricity Corporation is working to install additional transformers and improve the reliability of the power grid in Juba. However, the country’s limited financial resources and ongoing security challenges make it difficult to expand and maintain the electricity infrastructure. Long-term investment and international support will be essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring sustainable energy access for all.
The launch of South Sudan’s first solar microgrids in Maridi and Kapoeta marks a significant step forward in the country’s efforts to expand electricity access and promote economic development. The success of these microgrids demonstrates the potential of renewable energy to provide clean and reliable electricity to rural communities in South Sudan and offers a promising model for other regions facing similar challenges. However, continued investment and support will be crucial to achieving universal electricity access and unlocking the full potential of South Sudan’s energy sector.
