South Sudan electricity service is improving

By Ater Yuot R. Amogpai

The basic requirement of any country’s sustainable economic development is access to abundant and reliable electricity supply. A country without access to a proper electricity service her economy is described as floating. Electricity is a prime mover of any economy, without it, factories do not operate, modern equipment such as computers may not function.  Furthermore, health institutions cannot perform their duties at day/night times, students cannot do their home works at day/night times as well.

Electricity improves quality of living standard both in urban and rural areas. By powering offices, schools and household appliances we ensure comfortable working place for staff. Outdoor and street lighting provide safe movement and reduce criminal’s activities at night times. However, lack of access to financial capital is the most challenge facing government of South Sudan to establish sustainable electricity supply. Overall country’s security remains a priority if not the extreme requirement to all sustainable economic development.

Electricity is produced by South Sudan Electricity Corporation from thermal sources with diesel being the only available fossil fuel used for electricity generation. There is no strategic reserve fuel stock to facilitate emergency stockpiling. This represents a number of limitations in terms of large investments and restrictions in coverage – currently about 99% of the population, including the government, have access to intermittent electricity supplies.

There were 3 small diesel generation units installed in Juba, Wau and Malakal with maximum capacity of 17 MW, 8 MW and 5 MW respectively. There are also other small scale diesel generation installed in Rumbek, Bor, Yambio and Renk. The current total operational capacity is less than 20 MW with only 17,000 customers connected to 3 localized distribution networks.

Electricity was strictly supplied to industrial or commer­cial users in which there were no transmission grids existed, except that operating in Northern Upper Nile State to only supply electric power to central oilfield facilities.

Due to common breaks of electric power and shortage of diesel, citizens, commercials users, health centers, schools, non-governmental organizations and even government are shifting to electricity based solar panels. It looks like solar energy systems can make relatively good business in Juba and other areas in South Sudan.

Initially and according to the United Nations, there are levels of the quantity of electricity required to meet our daily basic needs.

–     First, Base Level (50-100 kWh):

This electricity is used to supply basic needs such as cooking, heating, lighting, communication, healthcare and education

–     Second,  Productive Level (500 kWh):

 This energy is used to improve productivity for instance, water pumping for irrigation, fertilizer manufacture, mechanized tilling, agricultural processing, cottage industry, and transport fuel

–     Third, West Level (2000 kWh):

Standards of those living in the West required to number of domestic appliances, increased demands for cooling and heating (space and water) and private transportation

–     Unclassified Level (16 kWh):

Standard use in South Sudanese to meet daily basic needs per person. This quantity of electricity is insufficient and substantially less than neighboring countries to meet the basic needs.

In November 21, 2019 President Salva Kiir switched on a 100 MW Power Plant that will supply electricity to Juba and other surrounding areas. The Plant which started construction in 2017 will first supply 33 MW before completion in 2021 by Eritrean Ezra Company Limited. The Power Distribution Grid Project funded by the African Development Bank has as well started together with launching of the Plant. For the first time in the history, South Sudan will have power girds to distribute electricity to its users. Therefore, the access to electricity service has gradually improved and increased from 17,000 to 100,000 customers which is approximately equivalent to 5% but only in Juba city. The two projects, Juba Power Plant and Distribution Grid cost 290 million and 38 million respectively.

Since these projects are still under construction Ezra will continue to operate the Power Plant for the next 17 years. It is too early to start talking about the challenges arise from the two projects before completion. However, fuel shortages, spare parts, manpower and power outages will always remain initial constraints to Juba new Power Plant.

The following are recommendations to be considered for sustainable electricity generation and supply in South Sudan:

–     Incorporate other primary energy sources to the electricity mix and support the government plan to divert some crude oil into electricity generation

–     Identify hydro-power sites to construct dams for electricity generations and water irrigation system

–     Attain and promote the further possibility of obtaining international funding and expertise with which to build the electricity sector and incorporate renewable energy

–     Develop an electricity sector which can be well-integrated with neighboring grids so that the country can become a net electricity exporter

–     Also allow for the import of electricity which serves to facilitate access and the security of electricity supply

If such electricity is produced via renewable (predominately hydro-power) then more quantities of crude oil could be exported, strengthening its position as a net energy exporter and using profits to further develop and integrate other types of infrastructure connections with other countries. In addition, and for all above, any electrification project is harmonized across the various government levels and non-governmental bodies – from the city and municipalities to the counties down to the Payams and Bomas.

Renewable energy resources are plentiful with hydroelectricity providing 24453 GWh, biomass, biogas and waste 9134 GWh collectively, and solar energy capable of supplying electricity up to 4183 TWh.