In 2023, electricity consumption in South Sudan remains strikingly low, with the average person using only about 51 kWh for the year. This is a stark contrast to the global average, which is nearly 3,800 kWh per person, revealing a significant gap in electricity usage. South Sudan's electricity generation is predominantly dependent on fossil fuels, with close to no contribution from low-carbon energy sources. Only a negligible 3 kWh per person is produced using green energy. Such limited access to electricity can significantly hinder economic development, restrict access to information and communication technologies, and weaken educational opportunities. The reliance on fossil fuels also exacerbates environmental issues like air pollution and climate change.

Is Electricity Growing in South Sudan?

The trend of electricity consumption in South Sudan has been disappointing, showing a decline from its peak in 2018 when it reached 58 kWh per person. The decrease of 6 kWh per person from the previous record indicates a troubling stagnation in the sector. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has been virtually stagnant, showing no substantial growth with numbers staying flat at roughly 3 kWh per person since 2022. This highlights a pressing need to prioritize and expand investments in clean energy to both grow capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The zero growth in low-carbon electricity use portrays a worrying scenario that negatively impacts the country’s ability to keep pace with developments in sustainable energy, emphasizing the urgency of expanding capacity in clean technologies.

Suggestions

To spark a significant boost in low-carbon electricity generation, South Sudan could take inspiration from countries with robust solar and nuclear energy sectors. The People's Republic of China leads in solar electricity with a generation of 1,266 TWh and wind energy at 1,140 TWh. Similarly, the United States excels in nuclear energy with 792 TWh. These regions demonstrate the massive potential of scaling up solar and nuclear power. Given South Sudan's abundant sunlight, substantial investment in solar installations could offer substantial returns. For nuclear energy, learning from France, which produces 379 TWh through nuclear power, could provide blueprints for successful deployment. Drawing lessons from these successful regions could enable South Sudan to revitalize its electricity generation landscape, bolster economic growth, and enhance quality of life while prioritizing sustainability.

History

Looking back over the past decade, the history of low-carbon electricity generation in South Sudan paints a stagnant picture. From 2013 through 2023, solar energy has contributed zero additional TWh every year. This consistent lack of growth indicates no strategic advancements were undertaken to harness clean energy through solar installations during this period. The missed opportunity to tap into solar power, given the country’s favorable sun exposure, suggests a loss of potential economic and environmental benefits. Moving forward, concerted efforts are crucial to reverse this trend and achieve a meaningful transition toward sustainable electricity that aligns with global clean energy initiatives.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade