South Sudan has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy with the launch of its first major renewable energy project [1]. The Ezra Group, a family-run conglomerate based in South Sudan, announced the successful launch of a 20-Megawatt (MW) solar power plant and a 14-Megawatt-hour (MWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the capital city of Juba.
The project, developed and financed in-house by Ezra Construction and Development Group Ltd., a subsidiary of the Ezra Group, is expected to provide electricity to up to 16,000 households in Juba. This initiative aims to address the country’s low electricity access rate, which stood at 8.4% in 2022.
The solar plant, along with the accompanying BESS, will help reduce energy costs, stabilize the grid, and enhance the reliability of renewable energy. The BESS includes advanced components such as smart inverters, smart transformers, and smart loggers, ensuring efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
The launch event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including South Sudan’s Vice President for the Infrastructure Cluster, H.E. Taban Deng Gai, and the Minister of Energy and Dams, Hon. Peter Marcello Nasir Jelenge. They emphasized the importance of this project in reducing carbon emissions and providing clean, reliable energy to the people of South Sudan.
Natnael Ghebrengus Ezra, Chief Operations Officer of the Ezra Group, expressed gratitude for the support of government partners and highlighted the project’s role in advancing reliable renewable energy in South Sudan. He stated, “This project is more than just an infrastructure milestone—it is a symbol of what we can achieve through shared purpose. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, cleaner, and more prosperous future.”
The success of this project was made possible through strategic collaboration with key partners such as the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC) and the Ministry of Energy and Dams. These regulatory bodies played a crucial role in approving and facilitating the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
This initiative is a significant milestone in South Sudan’s journey towards sustainable energy and demonstrates the country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and improving energy access for its citizens.
Sources:
[1] Ezra Group Unveils Pioneering Solar Power Plant and Battery System in South Sudan