Frequent blackouts caused by Sudan's ongoing conflict have led many residents to adopt solar energy as an alternative, though the high cost of these systems is a significant barrier for a large portion of the population. The war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has devastated the country's already fragile electricity infrastructure, with an estimated $3 billion in damage, according to the United Nations Development Program.
For residents like Randa al-Mansour, a 31-year-old housewife in Omdurman, solar panels have become a necessity for daily life. "We are suffering big time," al-Mansour stated, describing the impact on her children's education due to the lack of electricity at schools and at home. The persistent power outages are particularly challenging during the country's scorching summer heat.
Despite the growing number of billboards advertising solar equipment in Khartoum, the financial burden remains substantial. Mohey Eddin Abu-Bark, owner of a solar systems business, noted that a typical 10-kilowatt household system can cost nearly $5,000. This makes it an "inevitable choice" for some, but a "huge sacrifice" for low-income families.
The lack of reliable electricity has critical health implications. Manahel Madany, a diabetic civil servant, struggles to keep her insulin refrigerated. "Every three to four days, I am forced to throw away all my insulin stock after it goes bad due to heat and power outages," she said. The Sudan Doctors' Network has warned of potential impacts on hospital patients, particularly those requiring constant care like kidney dialysis.
Before the war, electricity production stood at 4,400 megawatts, but it has plummeted to 1,100 megawatts as power plants have been targeted. The conflict has also led to a significant exodus of skilled electrical engineers and technicians, according to electricity department officials who spoke anonymously. Approximately 30% of Sudan's population lacks access to electricity, with rural areas disproportionately affected, according to the World Bank. In urban centers, power outages can last up to 16 hours daily.
While Sudan has considerable potential for solar energy generation, with sunshine often exceeding 4,000 hours annually, the high upfront cost of imported systems and a depreciating local currency hinder widespread adoption.