Sustainable Development of Green Energy Technologies in the Republic of Sudan

Abstract

AbstractSudan is an agricultural country with fertile soil and ample water resources, as well as livestock and forestry resources, and agricultural residues. Energy is one of the key factors in the development of Sudan's national economy. We present an overview of the energy situation in Sudan, with reference to its end uses and its regional distribution. We separate energy sources into two main types: conventional energy (biomass, petroleum products, and electricity) and non-conventional energy (solar power, wind energy, hydro-electric, etc.). Sudan has a relatively high abundance of sunshine and solar radiation, and has moderate biomass, hydro-electric and wind energy resources. Exploiting the available new and renewable energy sources to provide part of the local energy demand, as alternatives to conventional fossil energy, has become a major issue in Sudan's strategic planning of future energy policies. Sudan presents an important case study with respect to renewable energy, as it has a long history of meeting its energy needs by use of renewable sources; Sudan's portfolio is broad and diverse, due in part to the country's wide range of climates and landscapes. Like many African frontrunners in the utilisation of renewable energy, Sudan has a well-defined commitment to continue research, development, and implementation of new technologies. Sustainable low-carbon energy scenarios in the new century emphasize the importance of exploiting the untapped potential of renewable resources. Sudan's rural areas in particular, can benefit from this transition. The increased availability of reliable and efficient energy services will stimulate the development of new alternatives. We conclude that using renewable, environmentally friendly energy must be encouraged, promoted, implemented, and demonstrated by full-scale energy plants or collection devices, in particular for use in remote rural areas.