As of 2023, Sudan's electricity consumption primarily relies on low-carbon sources, which account for over two-thirds of the country's energy production, specifically with hydropower contributing almost all of this with around 11.5 TWh. In contrast, fossil fuels are responsible for about 5 TWh, suggesting that while clean energy dominates the landscape, fossil fuel usage is still significant. On a per capita basis, Sudan's electricity consumption stands at 352 kWh/person, which is substantially lower than the global average of 3,649 kWh/person. This significant discrepancy indicates challenges for Sudan in terms of comprehensive electrification and energy accessibility, which can hinder economic development and the implementation of modern technologies that depend on stable electricity supplies.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Sudan?
In recent years, electricity growth in Sudan appears to have stagnated or even declined. The current per capita electricity consumption of 352 kWh marks a decline from the previous high of 388 kWh/person reported in 2021. The low-carbon electricity generation also reflects a similar downward trend, decreasing slightly from a peak of 244 kWh/person in 2022 to 235 kWh/person in 2023. These reductions emphasize a concerning trend, signaling a need for revitalized efforts in boosting electricity capacity, especially focusing on sustainable sources, to address potential future demands driven by urbanization, industrialization, and the electrification of different sectors.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon energy generation, Sudan can take insights from global leaders in this sector. For instance, China's substantial investment in solar and wind energy, generating 1,114 TWh and 1,093 TWh respectively, highlights that clean, sustainable growth is achievable with concerted efforts in solar technology. Additionally, countries like the USA, which lead in nuclear energy with 778 TWh, showcase nuclear as a dependable backbone for sustainable energy infrastructure. Sudan could also look at regional peers like India, which is making notable progress with both solar and wind energy sources. By adopting similar strategies, tapping into abundant sunlight for solar power, and considering nuclear energy as a reliable base load option, Sudan can enhance its energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Sudan has made intermittent strides in growing its low-carbon electricity, particularly via hydropower. Starting from small increments in the early 1980s, significant increases were observed in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with substantial positive changes, such as 3 TWh in 2010 and a 1.8 TWh increase in 2009. These growth spurts, primarily attributed to the expansion of hydropower infrastructure, became sporadic in the subsequent years with fluctuations including declines, such as those in 2015 and 2016. Most recently, in 2023, there was a slight decline of 0.3 TWh, signaling the need for diversified investments in other low-carbon technologies to ensure continued progress in line with global shifts towards a green energy future.
