South Sudan is facing a deepening energy crisis despite the country having vast renewable energy potential. And the country remains one of the least electrified countries in the world. Most of South Sudan’s power supply depends on costly imported diesel, placing a heavy burden on the economy and limiting access for ordinary citizens.
A recent policy brief by renewable energy experts, Dr Aban Arop Yor Ayik and Professor Nelson Ijumba highlights how years of neglecting clean energy have worsened the situation. Millions of people in South Sudan still lack reliable electricity, severely affecting healthcare, education, and economic growth.
However, the country is rich in solar, wind, and small-scale hydropower resources. The challenge lies in weak infrastructure, limited financing, and the absence of a clear, consistent energy policy.
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But the path forward is clear: scaling up renewable energy, especially in rural areas, could transform access and affordability. Experts are calling on the government and international partners to invest in a diversified, sustainable energy mix to unlock South Sudan’s potential.
Dr Ayik, shares her insights with The Energy Pioneer on South Sudan’s path toward renewable energy adoption. Dr Ayik is an assistant professor at the School of Engineering, University of Juba, South Sudan.
Q: In your view, how do political instability and governance challenges shape the implementation and sustainability of renewable energy projects in South Sudan?
A: Renewable energy projects normally require high initial investments and longer payback periods compared to conventional thermal or diesel power plants. Investors usually require a guarantee of political stability in a country to ensure their investment can be recovered and that they can make profits in the long term. Consequently, the lack of political stability may discourage both local and foreign investors from investing in renewable energy in a country.
The South Sudan electricity sector has been badly affected by political instability. The country is one of the least electrified in the world. According to the World Bank (The World Bank, 2023), only less than 6% of the population has access to reliable electricity. This is mainly due to prolonged war and internal conflicts, which damaged the country’s electricity infrastructure and delayed the implementation of major power projects, such as the Fula hydropower project. Therefore, South Sudan needs to take peace and stability as a priority, before embarking on the implementation of renewable energy projects.
From a governance perspective, the lack of an independent regulatory authority in South Sudan is also one of the factors that make the implementation of renewable energy projects challenging. An independent regulatory body is considered the foundation of a sustainable energy sector, especially for renewable energy projects. It encourages private sector participation by creating clear rules for licensing, procurement, and grid interconnection, among others.
Currently in South Sudan, the government acts as both the policymaker and regulator, and that may lead to potential conflicts of interest which may discourage investments in the sector. The South Sudan National Electricity Bill 2015 is intended to establish an autonomous regulator and promote renewables. However, the Bill remains inactive. Without a clear law to guide investors, it is challenging to promote transparency, regulate prices and attract investment in the sector. This will have a negative effect on the implementation and sustainability of renewable energy projects in the country.
Q: What role do local communities play in the adoption, operation, and long-term maintenance of renewable energy systems?
A: South Sudan has a low population density with over 80% of the population living in rural areas. Many rural communities lack access to clean electricity. Currently, there is no national electricity grid in the country; although there are plans to put one in place. When established, the national grid cannot realistically reach widely dispersed populations, so decentralized systems such as mini-grids may offer a practical solution in the country. The adoption of mini-grids and off-grid systems is therefore a primary way to provide electricity to these areas, supporting sustainable development and enabling the growth of domestic industries that can improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
When local communities are involved, they are more likely to sustain renewable energy systems. Training community members to operate, manage, and supervise renewable energy infrastructure can create local jobs and build the technical capacity of the locals. This gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility and encourages them to take care of the infrastructure.
However, it is also important to note that social conflicts can delay the development of renewable energy projects in South Sudan. Land ownership disputes are a common source of conflicts in the country. Renewable energy projects, such as large-scale solar and wind installations, require land, while hydropower projects may require population relocation and resettlement. These issues should be addressed early through inclusive planning, awareness building and community engagement.
Such challenges are not unique to South Sudan as they have been witnessed in other countries as well. Addressing them before project implementation is important for the successful adoption and long-term sustainability of renewable energy projects in the country.
Q: Given current infrastructure constraints, how feasible is large-scale renewable energy deployment in the near to medium term?
A: I think the deployment of large-scale renewable energy systems is possible in South Sudan in the near to medium term. In fact, some projects have already been developed, such as the Nesitu 20 MW solar project and the recently completed EZRA Juba solar power plant, which is owned by the Juba Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (JEDCO). So, yes, it is feasible.
South Sudan has abundant renewable energy resources, but that alone is not enough to conclude that every planned project will succeed. Considering the technical and economic aspect is also important. There is a need for more research and studies to assess the available renewable energy resources in the country and identify their locations. There is also a need to determine the technical feasibility and economic viability of such large scale renewable energy projects. Therefore, the feasibility of such large-scale projects depends not only on government policies and the presence of a good regulator in the country but also on adequate research and techno-economic studies.
Q: Do you see renewable energy as a standalone solution to the electricity crisis, or should it be integrated within a broader, diversified energy strategy?
A: I believe renewable energy should be integrated within a broader, diversified energy strategy rather than treated as a standalone solution. In nearly all countries that have adopted renewable energy for electricity generation, they do not depend on renewable energy alone initially, they instead utilize diverse resources. This enhances energy security in the country; the more diverse, the better.
In South Sudan, we are still using fossil fuels for electricity generation despite not having a refinery and good roads to transport the imported fuel to different parts of the country. This is very challenging, as we do not have enough options. The same applies to renewable energy resources; we cannot depend on them solely at the moment in South Sudan because they are still under development. Besides, they are intermittent and site specific which makes diversity necessary for energy security.
Over the last seven to nine years, South Sudan’s strategic plans have recognized that renewable energy should be supported and developed. Available evidence suggests that current policy continues to prioritise hydropower as a key pillar of sustainable development. Therefore, a diversified energy strategy is essential for South Sudan.
Q: To what extent could decentralised solutions like mini-grids and off-grid systems offer a more practical alternative to national grid expansion?
A: Although mini-grids and off-grid systems can provide sustainable solutions in rural areas in South Sudan, the national grid generally remains the most reliable, cost-effective, and stable option for electricity supply at the country level. As mentioned earlier, extending the grid to certain areas may not be technically or economically viable. In such cases, techno-economic assessments may show that mini-grids and off-grid systems are more viable than extending the national grid. Therefore, while the national grid remains the preferred option overall, decentralised solutions are particularly suitable for locations where grid extension is impractical or uneconomical, offering an effective alternative for expanding electricity access.
Therefore, South Sudan should invest in developing its national grid while promoting the development of mini-grids and off-grid systems to complement the overall system and ensure a sustainable electricity supply across the country.
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