South Sudan EK Power Generation and Energy Storage Power Station

Image: The recently launched 20MW solar energy plant in South Sudan. Credit: Ezra Group A public-private partnership in South Sudan has launched the country's first major solar power plant and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the capital Juba, where it is expected to provide electricity to thousands of homes.

According to a 2024 sciencedirect.com report, South Sudan struggles to provide its citizens access to electricity despite having abundant energy resources, particularly fossil fuels.

Hitherto, no significant research has been conducted to ascertain the actual potential of geothermal power generation in South Sudan. However, several rift basin features with uplifts and faulted blocks especially in the Equatoria region, offer geological conditions potentially conducive to accessing higher heat flux at reasonable wells depths.

The hydroelectric potential of South Sudan is well over 2,105 MW with Fulla-falls-890 MW, Shukoli-235 MW, Lekki-410 MW, Bedden-570MW and Juba barrage-120 MW. However, more studies are needed to quantify the actual potential of mini-hydro sites stochastically distributed across the country especially in the greater Equatoria region.

The success of this project is largely due to the strategic collaboration with key partners, including the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC) and the Ministry of Energy and Dams, which oversee electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.

The 20MW solar facility is capable of supplying power to approximately 16,000 households in Juba, offering a significant reduction in energy prices and enhancing grid stability. The BESS will store energy from the solar plant, providing on-demand power, stabilizing the grid, and ensuring consistent renewable energy reliability.