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.

Does South Sudan need electricity to drive industrial development?

Electricity prices in South Sudan are twice the prices of electricity in Africa and are five times the prices in other developing countries (Ranganathan and Briceno–Garmendia, 2011). As a resource rich country that needs to attract direct foreign investment, South Sudan definitely needs power to drive industrial development.

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).

Why is South Sudan facing a serious energy crisis?

South Sudan faces a serious energy crisis due to a number of factors, including devastating conflicts (e.g. 1955-172, 1983-2005 & 2013–present) and reliance on the fossil fuel source. The country has the lowest energy consumption rate in Africa and the highest cost of producing energy (World Bank, 2016).

How much solar energy does South Sudan have?

South Sudan receives about 8 hours of sunshine daily, providing an estimated solar energy capacity of 436W/M2/year (REEP, 2013). Similarly, wind energy density ranges between 285 and 380 W/M2 (REEP, 2013). Both the solar sunshine duration and wind density meet the threshold required to produce high quality electricity.

How many energy companies are there in South Sudan?

There are about fourteen of-grid energy companies in South Sudan, and their services include i) selling solar products, ii) engineer-ing, procurement, and construction (EPC), iii) indepen-dent power production (IPPs) and iv) developing mini-grids.