Electricity in South Sudan in 2023
South Sudan's electricity consumption is very low, with most of the country's energy coming from fossil fuels and waste. In 2023, South Sudan's total electricity consumption stood at 51 kWh per person, indicating access to electricity is close to none for much of the population. This figure is starkly lower than the global average of 3649 kWh per person. The meager 3 kWh per person generated from low-carbon sources, like solar, underscores the urgent need for South Sudan to diversify its energy portfolio towards cleaner sources. The limited electricity generation affects not only the daily lives of individuals but also the nation’s overall economic development. The scarcity of sustainable electricity can result in inadequate healthcare services, hindered educational opportunities, and restricted industrial progress, making it imperative for the country to focus on increasing its electricity capacity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Sudan?
Recent trends do not show significant signs of growth in electricity in South Sudan. In 2018, electricity consumption was slightly higher at 58 kWh per person, and in 2023, it decreased to 51 kWh per person, which suggests a troubling decline of 6 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity also saw a decrease; from a past peak of 4 kWh per person in 2022, it dropped to 3 kWh per person in 2023. Such stagnation demonstrates the challenges South Sudan faces in expanding its electricity infrastructure and joining the global momentum towards clean, low-carbon energy systems. In light of the decreasing numbers, the nation needs to implement effective strategies to boost its electricity generation, especially focusing on clean energy, to improve its future outlook.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, South Sudan can look to other regions that have been successful in this area. China stands as a global leader with vast investments in solar and wind platforms, generating 1117 TWh from solar and 1090 TWh from wind. In addition to solar, nuclear energy has proven effective in places like the United States, where nuclear power generates 781 TWh and France, with 369 TWh from nuclear. Drawing from these examples, South Sudan can aim to participate in solar and nuclear projects, choosing technologies that fit its geographical and economic context. The focus should be on building solar farms or small modular reactors, ensuring energy security while promoting sustainable energy for future generations.
History
Throughout its history, South Sudan has seen little advancement in low-carbon electricity. The data from 2013 to 2023 show no change in solar power generation, indicating a lack of progress over the years. As global trends shift towards sustainable energy, South Sudan's stagnation in developing its low-carbon electricity capabilities is concerning. With no growth in past years, it is essential for South Sudan to initiate projects that harness solar and nuclear energy to meet its future energy demands and contribute to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Embracing such clean energy sources can provide foundational support for the country's sustainable growth and economic stability.
