SUDAN
The Alfashir project is the first mega-scale solar plant in Sudan. On clear days, the generation capacity reaches over 31MWh with an average range of 25-28MWh per day, equivalent to saving seven tons of genset fuel oil per day. Frequently, the daily energy share of the plant reaches above 40%. On commissioning the 5MWp Alfashir Solar Power Plant, the project reduced genset fuel consumption and improved grid reliability significantly.
Since late 2019, the 5.27MW Alfashir solar power plant, executed entirely by Sudanese experts from contractors to consultants, has been connected to an isolated grid displacing diesel gensets.
The Sudanese energy ministry self-financed the project to demonstrate technical and financial viability and encourage private sector involvement. During construction 100 jobs were created and six permanent jobs are held post-commissioning. To achieve gender equality, 20 women are involved in the solar panel cleaning process.
While the remoteness of the location proved difficult, the technical challenges varied from civil works to electrical issues. For example, the foundation took longer than expected to reach the suitable design for this type of loose sandy soil. Other logistical issues the team overcame were grid integration through a small, isolated grid which operated with old diesel gensets and the availability of water and construction materials.
However, with support from the central and local governments, the client, contractor and consultant completed the project, gaining experience and lessons learned for future Sudanese projects. This project is a suitable case study for the international market to examine when seeking to engage in similar initiatives – for example, logistics of equipment transportation, accommodation, and local material and labour availability.
The project proves the best way to increase the deployment of solar energy is to develop the capacities of African companies and rely on local labour and engineers. With training and capacity building, local finance and stakeholder support projects will cost less and develop exponentially. ESI
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