Strategy for Sustainable Electrification and Renewable Energy Innovations in South Sudan
摘要
Background: South Sudan is a land lock country in East - Central Africa and ranks the least electrified country in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most of its power supply comes from biomass and diesel fuel that has led to environmental and health issues such as deforestation and air pollution. Electricity prices are exorbitant and hence, unaffordable. The existing electricity grid in South Sudan’s towns is in dilapidated state and is limited to the key state cities. This network is not capable of extending to most customers in towns and the rural areas. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the implementation strategy for the sustainable electrification and renewable energy innovations in South Sudan. The paper looks at renewable energy potentials with decentralized electrification focus through the Multi-tier Framework for energy access approach. The paper evaluates wind and solar potential in four selected key locations and presents results pictorially. Data was collected from South Sudan Civil Aviation, Metrological Department and through the structured interviews from Doleib Hill village. The data was analyzed using Rural Africa Load Profile Tool (RALPT), XLSTAT2023, Tabular and Google Sheets tools to display the results. Results: The analysis shows that South Sudan has potential for wind and solar energy that could be an epitome for sustainable electrification strategy in the country. The wind potential in four locations of Juba, Malakal, Raga and Wau, with Juba coming out with 220.16 W/m2 in April, Malakal has 373.31 W/m2 in January and 282.81 W/m2 in December while Wau and Raga have relatively low power densities of 136.85 W/m2 and 133.72 W/m2 respectively signify favorable conditions for renewable energy projects. Solar radiation levels that range from 17.19 MJ/m2/day in July to 21.39 MJ/m2/day in January in Juba which consistently falls within the "High Solar Radiation” category although with reduced solar radiation. Malakal on the other hand, ranges from 16.83 MJ/m2/day in July to 21.39 MJ/m2/day in February. Raga has high solar radiation from 17.14 MJ/m2/day in July to 21.62 MJ/m2/day in February ensures consistent solar energy production and system reliability. The data analysis in Doleib Hill shows 65% of respondents falling into Tier 0, showing reliance on wood, charcoal, and animal waste, with no access to modern electricity. Only 1% of these respondents use generators, while 9% have access to small solar systems. Tiers 1 and 2 give 10% of households and private sector respondents that use lighting and phone charging. 7% on biomass, 6% on generators and 7% on solar. Tiers 3 to 5 give 25% of NGOs and Public organizations more reliable energy. 4% on biomass, 7% on generators and 6% on the solar system. The results present energy potential for decentralized electrification. Conclusion: Power supply in South Sudan is inadequate and expensive. It is limited to a few state capital cities. Rural areas have no electricity due to lack of power generation and associated grid systems. The locations of Juba, Malakal, Raga and Wau have high wind and solar potential throughout the year. A Multi-Tier Framework for Energy Access is a viable electrification strategy through mapping and harnessing the renewable energy sources in the country. This strategy presents an in-depth assessment of accessibility rates by means of non-binary approach while adopting off grids connectivity solutions such as microgrids, solar home system, solar lantern etc. Doleib Hill model is a candidate for reciprocation around the country. With this strategy, the country could be covered with electricity at a faster rate, with the development of renewable energy sources.