Sudan is at a pivotal crossroads in its energy landscape, with a pressing need to transition from its heavy reliance on refined petroleum products toward a more sustainable energy framework. A recent study by Ihab Jabbar Al-Rikabi from the Department of Building Physics at Bauhaus-University Weimar, published in Engineering Reports, sheds light on the current status and future prospects of renewable energy in the country. The findings reveal both the challenges and the immense potential that lies ahead.
Currently, hydropower dominates Sudan’s electricity generation, accounting for an impressive 54.6% of the total output. However, other renewable sources contribute a mere 0.78%, highlighting a significant gap in the utilization of alternative energy forms. Al-Rikabi notes, “Sudan is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in solar and wind energy. The challenge now is to harness these resources effectively.” With a hydropower capacity of 1,907 MW and plans to add an additional 2,197 MW, the government is already taking steps to bolster this sector.
Solar energy stands out as a particularly promising area for growth. Despite being a Sunbelt nation with vast solar potential, Sudan has only managed to construct a 10-MW solar PV plant to date, with plans for additional projects in the pipeline. The government aims to install a staggering 2,190 MW of grid-connected solar PV and 50 MW of solar thermal energy by 2035. This ambitious goal reflects a broader recognition of solar energy’s role in diversifying the energy mix and reducing environmental degradation caused by fossil fuel consumption.
Wind energy, while currently underutilized, is also gaining traction. Presently, a single 0.8-MW wind turbine is connected to the grid, but a 100-MW wind power plant is under construction. The government envisions a wind capacity of 1,550 MW by 2035, which could significantly enhance the energy portfolio and provide a stable alternative to hydropower.
Bioenergy, primarily derived from the sugar industry, offers another avenue for growth, with a current capacity of 199 MW. Plans are underway to increase this to 270 MW of grid-connected bioenergy by 2032. Furthermore, while geothermal energy remains untapped, the potential for 54 MW of geothermal projects by 2030 indicates a forward-thinking approach to harnessing every available resource.
The study also touches on Sudan’s nuclear energy ambitions, targeting two 600-MW reactors by 2030, alongside exploratory tidal energy projects that could contribute an estimated 1.2 TWh annually to the grid. Each of these initiatives represents a strategic move towards a diversified and sustainable energy future.
As the energy sector evolves, the implications of this research are profound. The shift towards renewables not only addresses environmental concerns but also opens up commercial opportunities for investment and innovation in the energy market. Al-Rikabi’s insights highlight the necessity for robust policy frameworks and international partnerships to catalyze this transition.
In summary, the path forward for Sudan’s energy landscape is illuminated by the potential of renewable resources. With strategic planning and investment, the country can reshape its energy future, ensuring sustainability and economic viability for generations to come. The findings from this study, published in Engineering Reports, serve as a critical reminder of the opportunities that lie within the renewable energy sector, urging stakeholders to act decisively in harnessing these resources.
