Supplying rural regions with renewable energy

Context

Sudan is in the midst of a political, economic and humanitarian crisis that has been further exacerbated by armed conflicts since 2023. As a result, access to electricity is limited. In rural regions, more than 70 per cent of the population have no electricity. This is a particular burden for women as they are forced to cook with firewood; this is both inefficient and harmful to health.

The energy crisis also affects agriculture, with many farms having to rely on expensive diesel generators.

Objective

Access to energy for selected population groups has improved in at least two federal states.

Approach

The project makes climate-friendly energy available to disadvantaged population groups and thus improves lives in the long term. For instance, in rural areas, it is helping households switch to energy-efficient cooking systems. To this end, it supports the local production of cooking stoves. It also supplies renewable energy to social facilities such as schools, hospitals and community centres.

In agriculture, the project provides funding for small-scale solar energy systems and advice on how to operate oil presses, flour mills and irrigation pumps. It also conducts trials with small cooperatives on how they can use solar-powered oil mills collectively and develop services such as milling. The project supports women specifically, through training measures and business courses.

In order to manage and maintain energy-efficient systems such as mobile solar energy plants on a local level, the project works with companies on the ground. The aim is for these to provide service provision and offer sales support.

The project provides particular support for women in technical and entrepreneurial activities, areas in which they are severely underrepresented. Training and advisory services are designed to help them participate in agricultural supply chains and use solar pumps, for example.

Last update: February 2025