In 2023, Sudan's electricity consumption remains significantly below the global average. More than half of the country's electricity generation comes from low-carbon sources, with hydropower contributing almost all of the 11.75 terawatt-hours of low-carbon electricity. Fossil fuels contribute around one-third of the country's electricity, generating 5 terawatt-hours. This results in a total electricity consumption of 352 kilowatt-hours per person, which is a mere fraction of the global average of 3,794 kilowatt-hours per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can hinder Sudan's socioeconomic development, as electricity is essential for industrial growth, educational opportunities, and overall enhanced quality of life.

Is Electricity Growing in Sudan?

However, the trend in Sudan's electricity generation does not reflect growth, which is a cause for concern. The latest data from 2023 shows a decrease in electricity consumption per capita, down from the 2021 record of 388 kilowatt-hours per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has declined slightly from a 2022 record of 244 kilowatt-hours per person to 235 kilowatt-hours in 2023. These declines suggest that Sudan is not expanding its electricity infrastructure quickly enough to meet the growing demands of its population, and this stagnation in clean energy growth is particularly discouraging in a world that is moving towards sustainable energy solutions.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Sudan can look to regions that have successfully expanded their clean energy capacity. For instance, China has seen substantial gains in both solar and wind energy, generating 1,266 terawatt-hours from solar and 1,140 terawatt-hours from wind. India also illustrates considerable progress in solar energy with 192 terawatt-hours. On the nuclear front, countries like the United States and France excel, producing 792 terawatt-hours and 379 terawatt-hours, respectively. By investing in solar and possibly exploring nuclear energy, Sudan can tap into its vast potential for clean energy generation, drawing on the successes of these regions to build a more sustainable and reliable energy system.

History

Historically, Sudan's electricity generation from low-carbon sources has been largely dominated by hydropower. Notable increases occurred in the late 2000s and early 2010s, particularly in 2009 and 2010, which saw large jumps of 1.8 and 3 terawatt-hours, respectively. This trend continued into 2013 with a 1.7 terawatt-hour increase. However, the country has also faced intermittent declines in some years, such as in 2015 and 2016, where minor setbacks were observed, and quite recently in 2023 with a 0.3 terawatt-hour decrease. Sudan's reliance on hydropower, while largely effective, underscores the importance of diversifying its clean energy sources to stabilize and grow its electricity supply sustainably.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade