Sudan's electricity consumption in 2023 primarily relies on low-carbon sources, making up more than two-thirds of its total electricity generation. Hydropower is the dominant source, contributing nearly all of the 11.75 TWh generated from low-carbon sources. Fossil fuel sources add around 5 TWh, accounting for less than a third of the total electricity generation, reflecting a significant reliance on clean energy. However, the electricity consumption per person stands at a mere 352 kWh, sharply lower than the global average of 3781 kWh per person. This significant disparity suggests that many in Sudan might face limited access to electricity, which can hinder economic development and quality of life. Low levels of electricity generation can also impede advancements in healthcare, education, and industry, reinforcing the urgency for increased capacity.
Is Electricity Growing in Sudan?
Despite an encouraging high reliance on low-carbon energy, Sudan's overall electricity consumption has seen a slight decline recently, raising concerns. In 2023, the electricity consumption per person was 352 kWh, down from the historic high of 389 kWh in 2018. This represents a reduction of 37 kWh per person, indicating a trend of stagnation or even decline in electricity availability. Low-carbon electricity generation also experienced a slight dip, with the latest production at 235 kWh per person, 9 kWh lower than the previous record in 2022. These declines in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption highlight a critical area needing attention to ensure sustainable growth and development in Sudan.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Sudan can look to other regions that have successfully harnessed clean energy. Countries like the People's Republic of China and India have achieved substantial increases in solar and wind energy production, generating hundreds of TWh. Similarly, regions in the United States and Brazil have excelled in wind energy generation, which could be particularly relevant given Sudan's potential for solar and wind energy development. By investing in solar and potentially considering nuclear options, leveraging their relatively efficient and sustainable characteristics, Sudan can diversify its energy mix. The experiences of regions like these emphasize the importance of infrastructural investment and policy support to enhance green energy footprints effectively.
History
In the history of low-carbon electricity in Sudan, hydropower has been a continuously significant contributor, seeing varying changes over the years. The early 1980s marked the initial upticks with small increments, and the late 2000s witnessed substantial jumps, particularly in 2009 and 2010, when hydropower generation increased by 1.8 TWh and 2.9 TWh respectively. However, there have been occasional declines as seen in 2015 and a few other isolated years, illustrating the variability linked to hydropower’s dependence on climatic conditions. In recent history, from 2012 onward, small but steady increments have persisted with occasional minor dips, showing a modest but pivotal role in Sudan's low-carbon energy history. Despite recent declines, hydropower continues to be a significant low-carbon energy source in Sudan, highlighting the need for more diversified and consistent electricity generation strategies.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.