By William Madouk
South Sudan is exploring the extraction and exploitation of critical minerals to facilitate a transition towards increased use of renewable energy.
The country plans to leverage renewable sources, particularly geothermal, wind, and hydro, to tackle high energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. This initiative represents a visionary blueprint aimed at transforming the nation’s energy sector.
This development was announced during the second validation meeting for the energy transition strategy, which includes the extractive sector, held yesterday.
The one-day meeting was organized by the Ministry of Mining, with support from the Ministry of Finance and funding from the African Development Bank (AFDB), to guide the country towards clean and green energy.
In his remarks, Dr. Cosmas Pitia Kujjo, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Mining, said the government will continue to push the adoption of clean energy as a key driver for achieving universal electricity access.
“Energy is one of the most important requirements or pillars of sustainable development. We cannot have a real sustainable development without energy and that’s why we are in need of that,” he said.
Dr. Kujjo highlighted the challenges faced by industries in South Sudan due to energy shortages.
He noted the country’s potential, with resources like the Nile and various minerals, to develop hydro, solar, and wind energy.
“The government is putting that priority in order to extract our minerals,” he emphasized. “For instance, in infrastructure – we need cement, we need iron all that cannot be done without power for energy.”
The strategic energy transition blueprint aims to transform South Sudan’s energy landscape from biomass to green energy by 2080, marking a positive step towards environmental sustainability and economic development.
“We need to plan for the future, how will you be doing a transition from whatever fuel we have into renewable (energy). “The deliberation of all this will lead to a fruitful outcome and I am really optimistic and that will lead us to the objective we plan for.”
For his part, Dr. Victoria R. Nalule, CEO of Nalule Energy & Minerals Consultants, who is developing the strategic energy transition blueprint, explained the goals of the initiative.
“In this document, we are creating a pathway on how South Sudan can be able to utilize its oil and gas and at the same time be able to tap its other resources like renewable energy which is very keen,” said Ms. Nalule.
“This document creates a pathway of how South Sudan can achieve that but at its own pace without being forced by the international community,” she added.
Additionally, Dr. Nalule noted that a field visit to artisanal small-scale miners in Gorom revealed significant challenges, including a lack of protective gear for workers.
David Thiang, a macroeconomist and consultant for the African Development Bank, urged the Ministry of Mining to implement the recommendations and resolutions outlined in the strategic plan.
He emphasized the global shift towards renewable energy, stating that South Sudan must adapt accordingly.
The validation meeting brought together representatives from the African Development Bank, the Ministry of Finance, mining experts, economists, and other stakeholders, all focused on the path forward for South Sudan’s energy future.