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.
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.
What is Bess & how does it work?
“The accompanying BESS stores energy generated by the solar plant, enabling on-demand power supply, stabilising the grid and enhancing the reliability of renewable energy.” The BESS includes smart inverters, smart transformers (STSs) and smart loggers.
Why is SSEC a success in South Sudan?
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.
Why is South Sudan struggling to provide electricity to its citizens?
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.
At that point, BESS will be the optimal solution for all durations up to 10-hour. The introduction of a cap-and-floor mechanism in the UK aims to stabilise revenue streams for LDES projects, reducing financial risk.