Energy minister inspects Nesitu solar project ahead of planned June launch

JUBA — South Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Dams, Agok Makur Kur, has inspected a government solar power project under construction near Nesitu, outside the capital Juba, as authorities prepare to commission the facility in June, officials said.

Kur, accompanied by ministry undersecretary Macham Macham and technical staff, visited the site alongside representatives of Trinity Company, which will operate the station, and Egyptian contractor Elsuadi, which is implementing the project.

The inspection focused on construction progress, technical readiness and operational planning ahead of commissioning.

“The solar power system will contribute to lowering electricity prices and expand access to power for communities that have experienced prolonged shortages,” Kur said during the visit.

The Nesitu facility will generate 20 megawatts of solar power and includes battery storage capacity of 35 megawatts, according to the Ministry of Energy and Dams.

Officials say the project, which began in 2019, is part of broader efforts to expand access to reliable electricity and reduce dependence on costly diesel-powered generators.

South Sudan has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world. Most of the country’s roughly 12 million people lack access to the national grid, while even in Juba, power supply remains limited and unreliable.

Electricity is primarily generated from diesel fuel, making it expensive and vulnerable to supply disruptions and fuel price volatility.

As a result, businesses, government institutions and households rely heavily on private generators, driving up operating costs and limiting economic growth. Electricity tariffs in Juba are among the highest in East Africa, placing power beyond the reach of many residents.

Officials say solar projects such as the Nesitu plant are intended to diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce costs and improve supply stability.

The government has increasingly turned to solar energy in recent years due to South Sudan’s high solar potential and the lower long-term costs compared with diesel generation.

The Nesitu project is one of several renewable energy initiatives backed by the government and international partners to address the country’s chronic power deficit.

Authorities said construction is progressing steadily and expressed confidence that the plant will begin operations as scheduled.

Once operational, the facility is expected to supply electricity to households, businesses and public institutions in and around Juba, helping to strengthen the country’s fragile energy infrastructure.