Electricity in South Sudan in 2023
As of 2023, electricity consumption in South Sudan remains remarkably low compared to global standards, standing at approximately 51 kWh per person. This figure is significantly dwarfed by the global average, which is 3,781 kWh per person. Almost all of South Sudan's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with low-carbon sources contributing only a minute fraction. Low levels of electricity generation can have numerous adverse effects, stifling economic growth, limiting educational opportunities, and exacerbating issues related to poverty and inequality. Access to electricity is crucial for development, and the heavy reliance on fossil fuels additionally compounds problems related to environmental degradation and climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in South Sudan?
Examining trends, it becomes evident that electricity consumption is experiencing a regressive trajectory in South Sudan. In 2018, the consumption peaked at 54 kWh per person but has since declined to the current level of 51 kWh per person. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation, mostly coming from solar energy, has not seen any substantial advancement, stagnating at 3 kWh per person in 2023, the same as recent prior years. This lack of growth is concerning as it indicates a missed opportunity to transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources, which are crucial for reducing carbon footprints and combating air pollution.
Suggestions
To stimulate an increase in low-carbon electricity production, South Sudan can draw lessons from other regions with substantial achievements in this domain. Countries like China and the United States have significantly augmented their wind and solar power capacities to generate large quantities of clean energy, with China's solar and wind contributions reaching over a thousand TWh each. By fostering similar strategies, leveraging solar and wind potential, and considering nuclear power development, South Sudan could effectively expand its clean energy footprint. Encouraging supportive policies and investments in infrastructure are key steps, ensuring sustainable growth that benefits economic stability and ecological health.
History
Historically, South Sudan's journey towards low-carbon electricity remains largely static, as evidenced by the unchanged solar power contribution over the last decade. Beginning in 2013 and continuing through 2023, there have been no measurable increases in solar power generation, which has remained at zero TWh annually. This consistent stagnation is a significant concern and indicates a need for actionable strategies to ignite growth in the low-carbon energy sector. Ideally, the supportive framework would encourage investment in both solar and nuclear energy, facilitating a transition towards a more balanced and sustainable electricity mix that aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.