⁵⁶⁷

• The total solar panel production in South Sudan is 38.4 MW.
• CAGR of 29.9%

Projected Solar panel production capacity is not given but, Ministry of Environment and Forestry plans to generate 3,000 megawatts of clean energy in the future.⁸

• Nearly all of the capacity was from fossil fuel sources, and a marginal amount was from solar power sources.⁹
• Currently, electricity generation is thermal based (diesel, heavy fuel oil) which is very expensive (average generation cost is about US$ 0.70/kWh).¹⁰

In 2021, South Sudan’s total electricity generation stood at 0.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), with a vast majority of it coming from fossil fuel sources. In fact, nearly all of the country’s electricity capacity was derived from fossil fuels, while a mere fraction was generated from solar power in South Sudan sources.⁹

Unfortunately, specific data on the exact number of hours of power outages is not readily available, however,¹¹

• As of 2024, South Sudan continues to grapple with significant challenges related to power outages, stemming from its underdeveloped electricity infrastructure.
• A mere 1% of the population has access to grid electricity, highlighting the vast energy access gap in the country.
• Even in urban areas, where 4% of the population resides, load shedding and forced power outages are commonplace, further exacerbating the energy woes of citizens and hindering economic development.

¹²

Current Installations

There is no data for households available but;

• The initial microgrid, a pioneering solar project in South Sudan, is currently serving 164 connections, which translates to approximately 1000 people.
• The majority of these connections are small businesses and institutions, including essential services like pharmacies, health clinics, computer and printing centers, retail stores, and restaurants.
• This project is a significant step towards increasing energy access in the region. Furthermore, Ezra Construction’s ambitious 26MWp solar power plant in Juba is leveraging cutting-edge technology, featuring high-efficiency Ulica Solar Panels, 108 Huawei inverters with a capacity of 200KTL, and four Smart Transformer Stations (STS) with a capacity of 6.5 MVA each.

Projected Installations

Not available

⁵⁶

Installed Solar Farms

South Sudan is home to several solar farms, contributing to the country’s growing renewable energy sector.

• Two large solar farms are leading the way: the Ezra Juba Solar Power Station, with a capacity of 26 megawatts (MW), and Gigawatt Global’s Juba Project, which boasts a capacity of 10 MW.
• In addition to these large-scale projects, approximately five small solar farms are also operational in South Sudan, with a combined capacity of 2.4 MW.

Projected Solar Farms⁶

• Two solar farms are projected.

³

• The off-grid solar panel market in South Sudan is thriving, driven by the urgent need for dependable and sustainable energy solutions in a country where electricity access is severely limited.
• Recognizing this, the government, in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Bank, is prioritizing the expansion of off-grid and mini-grid solutions to enhance electricity access, particularly in remote and rural areas.
• The country’s abundant solar potential, combined with advancements in technology and the decreasing costs of solar PV systems, is further fueling this growth. As a result, off-grid solar energy is becoming an increasingly vital component of South Sudan’s energy landscape, offering a beacon of hope for communities in need of reliable and sustainable power.

³

Current Demand

• South Sudan is witnessing a surge in demand for on-grid solar panels as the country strives to enhance its electricity supply and decrease its dependence on fossil fuels.
• Several large-scale solar projects have recently been launched, including Ezra Construction’s Solar Project, a 26 MW solar power plant in Juba, completed in collaboration with Aptech Africa. Additionally, the Nesitu Solar Farm, a 20 MW solar farm near Juba, is being constructed by El Sewedy Electric in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Dams, along with a 35 MWh storage system.
• Furthermore, three smaller rural mini-grid systems, with capacities of 1.5 MW, 0.8 MW, and 0.8 MW, were installed in Yei, Kapoeta, and Maridi, respectively.
• Although these systems, operated by rural electric cooperatives, were damaged during the conflict, efforts are underway to restart the grids, with their current status awaiting clarification.

Future Market Demand

Not specified but, expected to grow with government incentives and decreasing technology costs.

Estimated salary for solar industry is not available specifically due to lack of data. However, average monthly salary of an individual is approximately $300 to $1000 (USD) (based on potential employment for 20 to 30 days a month).¹³

The current population of South Sudan is 11,283,700.¹⁴

Estimate for Factory Rent

Average Warehouse Rental Cost

• For individuals or businesses seeking industrial space in South Sudan, rental price information is not readily available.
• However, a promising lead is the Warehousing Logistics Company (WLC) – South Sudan, the country’s largest warehouse company.
• To inquire about rental prices and other details, interested parties can visit the WLC website at ( https://www.wlc-ssd.com/ ) to access contact information and reach out to their team directly.

Business Electricity Price (December 2023) ³

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages:¹³

Estimated salary for solar industry is not available specifically due to lack of data. However, average monthly salary of an individual is approximately $300 to $1000 (USD) (based on potential employment for 20 to 30 days a month).

Rent for Office Space¹⁵

If the administrative office is separate from the factory than the rental prices for offices in Juba ranges from $2500- $5000.

Electricity Generation⁶

• Nearly all of the capacity was from fossil fuel sources, and a marginal amount was from solar power sources.
• Total electricity generation in South Sudan was 0.6 billion kWh in 2021, nearly all of which was from fossil fuel sources

Transmission & Distribution³

• South Sudan’s electricity transmission infrastructure is currently limited, with a 32 MW line from Sudan to the Renk substation being underutilized due to the lack of additional transmission infrastructure.
• Although proposed interconnection lines with neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, Uganda, and Sudan are being explored, they remain in the feasibility stages. The country’s vast size and low population density pose significant challenges to developing a national grid, making isolated systems a more viable option.
• In Juba, the 33 MW Ezra diesel power plant supplies power through a 132kV network, serving approximately 29,800 connections. However, a comprehensive interconnected grid system has yet to be established.
• Nevertheless, the government has plans to develop one, paving the way for a more robust and reliable electricity transmission infrastructure in the future.

Energy Access³¹⁶

• South Sudan faces a severe energy crisis, characterized by significant suppressed demand and an abysmally low access rate of 6.7%, ranking among the lowest in the world.
• A staggering 99% of the population remains without access to modern energy sources, with electricity being a rare luxury.
• The country’s rural-urban divide exacerbates this issue, as 83% of the population resides in rural areas, further limiting their access to energy. In absolute numbers, a staggering 10.32 million South Sudanese lack access to electricity, with 1.91 million in urban areas and 8.41 million in rural areas.
• This places South Sudan among the lowest in Sub-Saharan Africa and neighboring countries in terms of energy access, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to bridge this gap and empower its citizens.

Energy Exports

• South Sudan’s energy exports are predominantly focused on crude oil, which is a crucial part of the country’s economy.
• The majority of South Sudan’s oil is exported via pipelines that run through Sudan to the Red Sea for international markets.
• However, recent conflicts in Sudan have significantly impacted these exports.

³

In South Sudan, there are no specific laws or regulations solely dedicated to solar panel production. However, general regulations concerning renewable energy projects and investments are in place, aiming to promote the use of renewable energy sources. The government has shown interest in developing renewable energy through various initiatives and partnerships, especially in light of the country’s reliance on diesel generators and the high cost of electricity.

Investment Promotion Act (2009): This act encourages investment in various sectors, including renewable energy. It offers incentives such as tax exemptions and repatriation of profits to attract foreign investors.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) Framework: This framework supports the development of infrastructure projects, including those in the renewable energy sector, through collaborations between the public and private sectors.

¹⁷¹⁸

South Sudan has been making strides in solar energy initiatives, aiming to harness the power of the sun for a greener and more sustainable future. Here are some notable efforts:

Second Nationally Determined Contribution (SNDC)

• The country’s transition to a low-carbon economy is prioritized in its second Nationally Determined Contribution (SNDC).
• The South Sudan National Electricity Policy (SSNEP) outlines the framework for the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) and encourages Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

• The IOM has significantly increased its use of solar power across South Sudan.
• For instance, they manage a solar plant that supplies electricity to the Humanitarian Hub in Malakal.
• By generating solar power, they reduce the carbon footprint and even trade carbon credits on the international market.
• These credits funded equipping the Malakal Teaching Hospital with a solar plant, ensuring reliable and cost-effective green power for critical care units.

Solar for Agriculture

• Financed by national banks, the government, and international donors, this initiative provides subsidized, low-cost loans to farmers for agricultural solar technology. Tax and duty exemptions have also been secured for most agricultural solar components.

Solar Transformation Program

• Developed in partnership with UNDP, this program aims to scale up financing for solar energy solutions in rural areas, reducing reliance on heavily subsidized fossil fuels.

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Installed Projects

Project 1: Aptech Africa Solar PV Systems

• Installed capacity: 2.4 MW
• Location: Key health facilities across South Sudan, including:Kator Primary Health Care Center, Alsaba Children’s Hospital, Juba Teaching Hospital, Rumbek State Hospital, Torit State Hospital, Kuajok State Hospital, Yambio State Hospital
• Total installed solar capacity: 726.62 kWp
• Battery bank storage: 1.677 MWh

Project 2: 26MW Solar Farm near Juba ²⁰

• Installed capacity: 26 MW
• Location: Central Equatoria, South Sudan
• Project cost: $45 million
• Financed by: Aptech Africa was selected to render engineering procurement construction services for the solar PV power project.
• Includes: Huawei Technologies supplied 108 inverters to the project site.

Project 3: Wanyjok Solar Microgrid ¹⁹

• Installed capacity: 55 kWp (solar array)
• Location: Wanyjok, a rural market town
• Includes: Solar array (55 kWp), Battery storage (84 kWh/36kVA), Diesel genset (66 kVA)
• Beneficiaries: 125 connections (~1000 people), including: Small businesses

Projected Projects⁸³

Project 1: Juba Solar PV Park Expansion

• Initial installed capacity: 20 MW
• Expansion plans: Scaling up to 80 MW
• Purpose: Supplying Juba and its surroundings
• Current status: Under construction

Project 2: 10MW Solar + 2MW Storage Project

• Installed capacity: 10 MW solar + 2 MW storage
• Developer: Gigawatt Global, an international power project developer
• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Signed between SSEC and Gigawatt Global
• Construction start date: February 2022
• Current status: Under construction

Sun Gate Solar Solutions

Website: https://www.sungatesolarsolutions.com/

Services

• Home/Office and Pay-As-You-Go Solar: Solar solutions for households and small offices with flexible payment options.
• Commercial and Institutional Solar: Solar energy systems for businesses and institutions.
• Microgrids and Metrogrids: Stand-alone power systems for communities and larger areas.
• Electric Cooking and Productive Use: Innovative solutions for electric cooking and other productive uses.
• Other Solutions: Various solar-powered, battery-operated modular electrical devices.

MECH ENERGY LTD

Website: https://mechenergyltd.com

Services

MECH, which stands for, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Hub, is an Engineering company specialized in Renewable Energy, owned by young passionate engineering professionals; established in the year 2014, in accordance with the South Sudan companies Act 2012, as Limited Liability Company. Its services include:

• Solar Power Systems
• Solar water heating
• Solar water pumping