Electricity in South Sudan in 2023
South Sudan's electricity consumption is remarkably low, standing at just 51 kWh per person in 2023, which is a mere fraction of the global average of 3649 kWh per person. The vast majority of this electricity is generated using fossil fuels, with close to none coming from low-carbon sources. In fact, only about 3 kWh per person is sourced from clean energy, marking a critical gap in sustainable electricity production. These figures highlight the significant challenges South Sudan faces in expanding its electricity generation to meet any semblance of global standards. The low electricity generation can hinder economic development, affect quality of life, and limit opportunities for business and technological advancement.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Sudan?
The trend of electricity consumption in South Sudan is concerning, with a decline noted in the most recent figures. The total electricity consumption decreased from its previous record of 58 kWh per person in 2018 to the current level of 51 kWh per person, revealing a drop of 6 kWh per person. Simultaneously, low-carbon electricity generation, mostly from solar, remains stagnant at 3 kWh per person, barely changing from a slightly higher record set in 2022. This stagnation and decline in both total and clean electricity generation is worrying and underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to reverse the trend and stimulate growth in sustainable energy sectors.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, South Sudan can learn from the successes of regions like the People's Republic of China and India in solar energy, and the United States in both wind and nuclear energy. These countries have implemented policies and innovations that have significantly boosted their clean electricity production. For instance, China leads in solar and wind electricity, demonstrating the potential of large-scale solar projects that South Sudan could emulate given its abundant solar resources. Additionally, nuclear power, as prominently utilized by the United States and France, offers a viable route for consistent and large-scale electricity production with minimal environmental impact. Embracing these technologies could help South Sudan shift towards a more sustainable energy future.
History
Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in South Sudan, particularly solar energy, there has been no recorded growth from 2013 through 2023. This lack of development in solar electricity highlights a missed opportunity for leveraging the country's favorable conditions for solar generation. Over the last decade, this stagnation has contributed to the broader challenge of diversifying and increasing the country's electricity supply sustainably. Analyses of these trends emphasize the importance of strategic planning and investment in clean technologies, such as solar and potentially nuclear, to drive future growth and sustainable development in South Sudan's electricity landscape.
