Sudan to invest in wind energy portfolio through UNDP cooperation

photo courtesy: foreignpolicyblogs

Sudan has partnered with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for the development of a long- term wind energy project in the country.

According to the agreement, UNDP and the Global Environment Facility will provide $4 million for the project in January 2015.

Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity will invest $213 million in the five-year project, starting next year.

The first wind farm will be installed in the Dongola area of the Northern State.

Initially, a 5 MW wind plant will be installed in 2015, followed by a 100 MW wind farm in 2019.

photo courtesy: foreignpolicyblogs
photo courtesy: foreignpolicyblogs

The ‘Promoting Utility Scale Power Generation from Wind Energy’ project will further ensure private investments in the wind energy grid.

It is mandatory to have a feed-in-tariff system, using which investors can get an idea of the price of the generated electricity, stated UNDP officials.

In addition, private investors may be lured with concessions such as exception from customs, duties, and income taxes, so that they can pay back their dues.

The program aims to diversify country’s power sources, limiting reliance on fossil fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Global Environment Facility funds development activities on biodiversity and climate change, among others.

Key partners collaborating on the project include Sudan’s National Energy Research Centre, the Sudanese Standards and Meteorology Organization, and several of Sudan’s ministries.

Sudan has favorable wind power generating conditions, with a measured monthly average of wind speeds of up to 8 m/s in the Northern region, along the Red Sea coast.

Sudan has a long history of meeting its energy needs through renewables, with a broad and diverse portfolio attributed to the country’s wide range of climates and landscapes.

Like other African countries, Sudan has a well-defined commitment to continue research, development and implementation of new renewable energy technologies.

Sabeena Wahid
[email protected]