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The Sudan Curse: lack of power in South Sudan



Sudan and South Sudan’s tensions regarding the oil-rich land of Abyei are escalating. Abyei is one of the “three areas” (Abyei, South Kordofan, and Blue Nile) within the disputed border regions between Sudan (in the North) and South Sudan. These three areas are yet to determine by referendum or personal consultations whether they join Sudan or whether they join South Sudan. The tensions revolve primarily around the distribution of oil wealth.

South Sudan accused the North of launching airstrikes on or near major oilfields on Tuesday (between the towns of Bentiu and Rubkona), which the North denied. However, the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company, a consortium led by China’s Nile Petroleum Company, confirmed that its facilities had been hit. South Sudan is now assessing the damage.


 South Sudan has crude oil, but no refineries. It is dependent on this oil to fuel generators so that the nation has power. Currently electricity is erratic leading to frequent blackouts across the country. Even the capital of Juba rarely has electricity and most companies and homes rely on diesel generators. The crude oil needs to be exported through Sudan, but the North and South have not yet agreed on the terms for the use of the northern refineries. In January, the South shut down its oil production due to a dispute with the Khartoum government. Without oil production, the country will remain in darkness. Two nation cooperation regarding equitable oil distribution and resource management is urgently required.

The Ministry of Electricity and Dams in South Sudan is now planning to build hydropower and thermal power plants to mitigate the electricity problem. The Nile River is its main source of water, and therefore would be a potential source for hydropower. The government plans to build a 40 megawatt hydropower station near Juba within the next three years. In the future, it plans to build two 200 megawatt hydropower facilities and a 540 MW plant within the next 5-7 years. However, there is currently no funding for these stations - not for the feasibility study, design, or construction.

The South Sudan government is currently seeking funding for hydropower and thermal power plants, and an oil refinery, through international investments. Since independence in July 2011, South Sudan has continued to be dependent upon the Khartoum government in Sudan for its oil production. Construction of energy plants would help South Sudan gain true independence and the means to stimulate economic growth.



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  1. flags worldJanuary 25, 2023 at 6:50 PM

    The Flag Of Sudan is an image of both the Sudanese public and their fortitude with the remainder of the Bedouin world. The Sudan flag continues in the strides of a few verifiable flags, including two that were related with unfamiliar countries as opposed to the Sudanese public. The cutting edge flag of Sudan isn't the main flag that has addressed the country since it acquired its full freedom from unfamiliar impact, yet it doesn't show areas of strength for a from any verifiable Sudan flag.

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