(3 minutes read)
· South Sudan is directing its focus on power sector development in a bid to dramatically transform its electricity market, which faces a deficit of approximately 170 MW
· Importantly, it is implementing the South Sudan
Electricity Master Plan to expand distribution systems and to increase access to electricity nation-wide
· The domestic power sector is hampered by lack of quality infrastructure for power generation, transmission and distribution
South Sudan is directing its focus on power sector development in a bid to dramatically transform its electricity market, which faces a deficit of approximately 170 MW. This has led to one of the lowest electricity access rates globally. The country is embarking on several power generation projects to boost installed capacity. Importantly, it is implementing the South Sudan Electricity Master Plan to expand distribution systems and to increase access to electricity nation-wide.
According to the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC), more than 90% of the population does not have access to the national grid. Also, an estimated 70% of businesses in the country rely on diesel-powered generators to operate. The domestic power sector is hampered by lack of quality infrastructure for power generation, transmission and distribution. Coupled with limited financial resources and technical knowledge, power deficit has been a drag on the economy.
South Sudan is beefing up its energy t by creating the national grid through infrastructure replacement, grid maintenance and expansion. SSEC began operating the first section of the capital’s distribution network. The Power Construction Corporation of China has been instrumental in the development of the grid project. The Chinese company proposes to erect new 33 kV lines – a replacement of the existing 11 kV lines – and 13,450 pre-stressed concrete poles. Towards that, the country has received a US$14.6-million loan from the World Bank.
