What is South Sudan's role as a power utility?

Its role as a power utility is expected to intensify as programmes to increase electricity access in South Sudan are implemented. It is proposed under the Electricity Bill 2015 as the regulatory entity for the electricity sector in South Sudan. It would function as the energy regulator whose functions would include the creation of regulations.

How much power does South Sudan need?

South Sudan’s installed power capacity is about 130 megawatts, a large chunk of which is used to supply electricity to the country’s abundant oil fields. However, the country’s power demand is about 300 megawatts, an amount that’s likely to grow during peacetime, Deng said. “We are actually thirsty [for generation],” he said.

How many people in South Sudan have electricity?

Today, only about 1 percent of South Sudan’s 12.5 million people can access the electric grid, according to the state-run utility. Many people use rooftop solar arrays or noisy, polluting diesel generators to keep the lights on; still many more are left in the dark.

How can humanitarian agencies contribute to solar energy in South Sudan?

Refugee contexts in countries such as Jordan have also led to the increased transition to solar energy through donor-led initiatives. Humanitarian agencies can also play a critical role in generating demand for solar systems in South Sudan refugee settlements, where biomass is predominantly used as energy source (Lemi & La Belle, 2020).

What happened to South Sudan's generating capacity?

Plans to expand the nation’s generating capacity were swiftly shelved. South Sudan had negotiated an agreement with the Norwegian government to build a 43-megawatt hydroelectric dam, but once the war broke out, Norway redirected its funding toward humanitarian aid.

Is South Sudan adding its own generation?

At the same time, the young country is adding its own generation. Late last year, Ezra Group opened a 33-megawatt oil-fired power plant, which will use scrubbers to reduce air pollution. The Eritrean firm says it plans to build 100 total megawatts of fossil fuel capacity in South Sudan by 2021, at a cost of nearly $290 million.