Aptech Africa is enhancing electricity access in seven regions of South Sudan. The company is implementing hybrid energy systems that combine solar PV systems, diesel generators, and standalone solar street lights.
Addressing the Energy Gap
Access to reliable electricity remains a significant challenge In South Sudan, with only about 13% of the population connected to the grid. This figure drops even lower in rural areas, where infrastructure is scarce and often needs to be improved. Despite urban centres like Juba having better access to electricity, reliability issues persist due to insufficient infrastructure and generation capacity. However, a transformative initiative by Aptech Africa is making strides toward improving energy access across the country.
Aptech Africa's solar projects bring reliable energy to underserved regions in South Sudan.
Aptech Africa, a leading renewable energy company has embarked on a series of energy projects aimed at enhancing electricity access in seven different regions of South Sudan. These regions: include Juba, Lakes State, Eastern Equatoria State, Warrap State, and Western Equatoria State.
The projects involve designing, supplying, installing, and commissioning hybrid energy systems that combine photovoltaic (PV) systems, diesel generators, and standalone solar street lights. These systems prioritize solar PV generation; followed by battery storage and diesel generators; and can integrate grid power where available. Remote monitoring is enabled through Alpha Cloud and Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) platforms. This provides detailed data on system performance.
Impact on Health Facilities
These systems have been installed at key health facilities such as Kator Primary Health Care Center, Alsaba Children’s Hospital, Juba Teaching Hospital, Rumbek State Hospital, Torit State Hospital, Kuajok State Hospital, and Yambio State Hospital. The total installed solar capacity across these facilities amounts to 726.62 kWp, with a battery bank storage of 1.677 MWh.
The implementation of these solar hybrid systems has had a profound impact on the health facilities' ability to provide essential services. Reliable electricity has enabled these facilities to offer emergency care and response around the clock. This has significantly reduced mortality rates associated with childbirth, injuries, and acute conditions. By reducing reliance on the grid and minimizing fuel costs, these systems also contribute to operational efficiency and cost savings for the health facilities.
The introduction of dependable power allows health facilities to operate beyond daylight hours, providing crucial services during nighttime emergencies. This improvement in energy access represents a pragmatic solution to South Sudan's energy challenges, promoting sustainability and resilience. Solar energy is paving the way for enhanced energy security and economic development in Juba and beyond, by providing reliable electricity; reducing fossil fuel dependence; and empowering communities.
Solarization of Telecoms Towers
In addition to improving energy access in health facilities, South Sudan is also making strides in enhancing connectivity through solarising its telecommunications infrastructure. The Energy Inclusion Facility (EIF) and the Finnish Industrial Cooperation Fund (Finnfund) have awarded $20 million to asset manager Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI) to finance the solarization of telecommunications towers across the country.
This financing package includes a $15 million bridging loan from the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Energy Inclusion Facility (EIF) and a $5 million mezzanine loan from Finnfund. The funding will enable CREI to develop, build, and operate renewable energy facilities for a telecommunications player in South Sudan. According to Valtter Louhivuori, head of Finnfund’s Nairobi office, “This investment is in line with our digitalisation and climate action objectives. We see that improving mobile connectivity drives economic growth.”
Under Finnfund’s Africa Connected program, at least 413 hybrid energy solutions will be installed at telecoms sites across South Sudan. These investments are expected to increase solar energy production and reduce diesel use at network sites. The initiative aims to benefit at least 2 million South Sudanese in a country with a population of 11 million, where connectivity is currently limited due to inadequate infrastructure and low cell phone penetration.
The initiatives spearheaded by Aptech Africa and the financial support from EIF and FinnFund mark significant milestones in South Sudan's journey toward enhanced energy access and connectivity. The solar hybrid systems installed in health facilities and telecommunications towers not only address the immediate energy needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability and economic development.