In a move aimed at boosting economic development in South Sudan, the African Development Fund (ADF) has approved a grant of USD 153.66 million (over Shs562 billion) for the Uganda-South Sudan power interconnection project.
The project, which is part of the East African Power Pool network, aims to integrate South Sudan into the regional power grid, addressing electricity shortages and reliability issues in the country.
Project Overview
The Uganda-South Sudan power interconnection project involves the construction of a 345-kilovolt transmission line spanning 175 kilometers from the Ugandan border town of Nimule to Juba, South Sudan’s capital city. The project also includes the construction of a substation in Juba and the upgrade of existing substations in Uganda.
Benefits of the Project
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the economies of both Uganda and South Sudan. Some of the key benefits include:
Increased access to electricity
The project will enable an exchange of 624 GWh of energy on average between the two countries each year, increasing access to electricity for 286,710 people in South Sudan.
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
By promoting the use of renewable energy sources, the project will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Improved reliability and affordability of electricity
The project will address electricity shortages and reliability issues in South Sudan, making electricity more affordable and reliable for consumers.
Surplus generating capacity
The project will also provide surplus generating capacity on the Ugandan market, enabling the government to address rampant blackouts in various parts of the country.
Spur for Economic Development
The Uganda-South Sudan power interconnection project is expected to spur economic development in South Sudan by:
Increasing economic opportunities
By providing access to reliable and affordable electricity, the project will increase economic opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in South Sudan.
Creating jobs
The project will create jobs during the construction phase and in the long term, contributing to economic growth and development.
Improving living standards
By increasing access to electricity, the project will improve living standards for households in South Sudan, enabling them to access basic services like healthcare and education.
The Uganda-South Sudan power interconnection project is a critical step towards promoting economic development in South Sudan.
By increasing access to electricity, improving reliability and affordability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the project will have a lasting impact on the lives of people in South Sudan