As of 2022, Sudan's electricity consumption remains notably low when compared to global standards. The country generates a total of approximately 18 TWh of electricity annually. Of this, more than half, or about 11 TWh, comes from low-carbon sources like hydropower, while roughly 7 TWh is produced from fossil fuels. This composition showcases a significant reliance on hydropower for clean energy production. However, the total electricity generation per person in Sudan is considerably lower than the global average. With over 45 million people in the country, this amounts to an electricity consumption of roughly 456 watts per person, considerably below the global average of 3606 watts per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can impact development, limiting access to reliable power for homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure, and impeding technology-based advancements.
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Sudan could explore strategies observed in other countries. Investing in solar and wind energy, as seen in China and India, could be particularly beneficial given Sudan's climatic conditions. China generates a substantial amount of its electricity with wind and solar sources, with figures reaching 950 TWh and 653 TWh respectively for wind and solar. Similarly, India achieves significant energy generation through solar at 125 TWh and wind at 92 TWh. By adopting and adapting these technologies and strategies, Sudan can diversify its electricity sources beyond hydropower, expanding its clean energy portfolio. Additionally, considering nuclear energy as a long-term sustainable option, as successfully implemented by nations like France and South Korea, could also provide a reliable base-load power supply that complements variable renewables like solar and wind.
The history of low-carbon electricity development in Sudan has predominantly been driven by hydropower. Beginning in the early 1980s, Sudan saw incremental increases in hydropower capacities, with minor expansions during the 1980s and 1990s. Notably, major developments occurred in the late 2000s, with significant gains of 1.8 TWh in 2009 and 2.9 TWh in 2010, marking the largest yearly increments within the dataset. This period was pivotal in boosting the overall low-carbon capacity of the region. However, subsequent years also saw fluctuations, with some setbacks such as declines of 0.5 TWh in 2015 and 0.3 TWh in 2016. Since then, incremental increases resumed, underscoring the importance of consistent investment and development in sustaining and growing Sudan's low-carbon energy infrastructure.