February 05, 2025

South Sudan launches first solar plant with storage

February 05, 2025

Ezra Group, a South Sudanese family-run conglomerate, last month announced the launch of South Sudan's first major renewable energy project. The 20 MW solar PV plant, located in Juba, the capital city, will have a 14 MWh battery energy storage system & will connect 16,000 households in the world's least electrified country.

  • This project marks South Sudan's first public-private partnership (PPP) in the renewable energy sector. Ezra Construction and Development Group, a subsidiary of the Ezra Group, undertook the development and financing of the project independently.

  • South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, faces significant challenges in electricity generation. The country's current installed capacity is estimated at only 200 MW, with solar power contributing 48 MW. This falls far short of the needs of its population, exceeding 11 million, with only an estimated 8.4% having access to electricity.

  • Our take: Given that South Sudan still suffers from huge debts, despite its oil export revenue, the private sector can help in meeting its energy investment needs… Read more (2 min)

SolarAfrica Energy, a South African renewable energy company has reached a financial close of $100 million for its 114 MW Suncentral 1 solar project. The financing is part of phase one, which targets 342 MW, with all three phases targeting 1 GW capacity, making it one of the largest solar projects in South Africa.

  • Investec, an international bank and wealth manager, played a key role in financing the project by acting as the co-mandated lead arranger for debt and hedging (interest rate and forex). SolarAfrica has partnered with Enpower, a licensed energy trader authorised by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to supply renewable energy to corporate clients.

  • Following its 2023 merger with Lagos-based Starsight Energy, SolarAfrica Energy now has a big portfolio. This includes 520 MW of installed and contracted solar power generation capacity, 60 MWh of battery storage, and a project pipeline exceeding 2 GW.

  • Our take: The renewable energy market in South Africa is big but competition from international companies is heating up… Read more (2 min)

South African finance firm, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has signed a Heads of Terms agreement with Solarcentury Africa to co-develop a 67 MWp solar project in Zambia. By wheeling power to IDC’s large industrial users in Zambia, the plant will help alleviate the country’s recent power shortages.

  • The IDC has already secured the project site and completed preliminary technical studies, while Solarcentury Africa will oversee the plant's development, design, financing, and construction.

  • Over 80% of Zambia’s electricity is generated from hydropower, leaving the country highly susceptible to droughts. The new solar plant will diversify the energy mix by introducing solar power, reducing reliance on hydropower, and addressing persistent energy deficits.

  • Our take: By incorporating renewable energy sources, Zambia can diversify its energy mix and mitigate the impact of droughts on hydropower generation…Read more (2 min)

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Students from Kampala Community International School exploring Lugogo substation in Uganda

Events

📅 Cape Town to host Africa’s Green Economy Summit (Feb 19)

📅 Gaborone to host Botswana Mining & Energy Conference and Expo (Apr 7)

📅 Nairobi to host Power & Energy Africa 2025 (Jun 26)

Jobs

💼 Engie seeks a mechanical technician (South Africa)

💼 Schneider Electric seeks a Secure Power System Architect Expert (Egypt)

💼 Zutari seeks an associate civil engineer (South Africa)

Various 

🌍 Empower New Energy completes its first solar PV project in Awasi, Kenya

🌍 Efficiency for Access is calling for clean energy consultancy tenders

🌍 The AfDB is seeking tenders for the Ethiopia-South Sudan power interconnector

Seen on LinkedIn 

Cynthia Angweya, acting Chief Executive Officer at Kenya Renewable Energy Association, emphasises the role of traditional sources of power for grid stability and industrialisation in Africa's quest for sustainable development.

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