In 2023, Sudan's electricity consumption is heavily reliant on low-carbon sources, with almost three-quarters of its electricity coming from clean energy types like hydropower, which alone contributes nearly 12 TWh. In contrast, the remainder, around 5 TWh, is generated from fossil fuels. Compared to the global average, Sudan's electricity consumption is much lower, with only about 352 kWh per person compared to the global figure of 3,649 kWh/person. These low levels of electricity generation can significantly impact economic development and access to modern amenities in Sudan, restricting growth in industry and quality of life improvements. A focus on increasing electricity generation, particularly through sustainable and low-carbon means, could greatly benefit Sudan's socio-economic landscape.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Sudan?
The trends in Sudan's electricity consumption show a downturn in recent years. From a record of 388 kWh/person in 2021, it has decreased to 352 kWh/person in 2023. This is concerning as it reflects not only a decline in total electricity consumption by 35 kWh/person since the last record year but also a slight drop in low-carbon electricity, down from 244 kWh/person in 2022 to 235 kWh/person in 2023. These decreases indicate challenges in maintaining, let alone growing, electricity generation capabilities, which could hinder further development and economic opportunities.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Sudan can look to successful examples from other regions. China and India have demonstrated outstanding progress in solar and wind energy, with China generating over 1,100 TWh from solar and nearly as much from wind, while India capitalizes on both solar and wind as well. Sudan, blessed with abundant sunlight and potential wind energy, can replicate such models tailored to its environment. Equally important is considering nuclear energy, as countries like France and the United States have effectively harnessed it for substantial electricity generation. Embracing solar and nuclear energy could not only bridge the electricity gap in Sudan but also ensure a sustainable and clean energy future.
History
Sudan's history with low-carbon electricity generation has been predominantly driven by hydropower. In the early periods of the available data, such as the 1980s and 1990s, there was modest growth, with increments of around 0.1-0.2 TWh annually. Significant boosts occurred after 2009, with notable spikes in 2010 when a considerable surge of nearly 3 TWh happened, followed by substantial increases in 2013 and in subsequent years. Despite setbacks in 2015 and 2016 where dips were recorded, the trend generally showcased resilience with positive growth in the few years up to 2022. However, a decline in 2023 by 0.3 TWh suggests variability that requires strategic interventions to maintain steady growth in clean energy generation and overall electricity stability.
