As of recent statistics, access to electricity in South Sudan is staggeringly low, with only about 13% of the population having access to grid-connected power. This figure is even lower in rural areas, highlighting the severe disparities in energy access across the country. In urban centers like Juba, while electricity might be more accessible, reliability remains a persistent issue due to inadequate infrastructure and generation capacity.
Aptech Africa, implemented projects in 7 systems in distinct regions i.e. Juba (Kator Primary Health Care Center, Alsaba Children’s Hospital, Juba teaching Hospital), Lakes State (Rumbek State Hospital), Eastern Equatoria State (Torit State Hospital),Warrap State (Kuajok State Hospital) in Bahr el Ghazal Region and in the Western Equatoria State (Yambio State Hospital).
Aptech Africa’s scope included design, supply, installation and commissioning of hybrid systems that included PV Systems, diesel gensets and Stand-alone solar street lights with civil works related at each of the above-mentioned health centers. The scope also extended to integration of the container technical rooms in Juba where a total of six of these had all components assembled, integrated and tested upon dispatch to the respective sites.
Aptech Africa installed a total solar system of 726.62kWp with a total battery bank storage of 1.677MWH. All systems are hybrid with more than two sources of energy incorporated in the system operation logic. With the PV generation dedicated as the first priority, Batteries as the second and genset as the third. However, in sites where grid is present, this was also integrated in the system’s logic with consent from the client.
The systems can be remotely monitored on Alpha Cloud and Victron Remote Monitoring (VRM) Platform with all parameters e.g. PV generation, load consumption, battery parameters e.g. SOC, Cell voltages, system setup components, Alarms and any other logs and monthly, yearly and post installation records of system performance.
The Installed systems allow for emergency care and response capabilities, reducing mortality rates associated with childbirth, injuries, and other acute conditions leading to improved quality of life reduction in mortality rates. Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings as the need for grid is eliminated and the fuel costs for the diesel gensets being relatively cheaper and affordable, the system lower the costs for operations.
With reliable power, the health facilities are now able to operate beyond daylight hours, enabling them to offer services during emergencies at night. The installation of solar systems in Juba represents not only a pragmatic response to energy challenges but also a step towards a more sustainable and resilient future. With its ability to provide reliable electricity, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and empower communities, solar energy stands as a source of hope in Juba’s quest for energy security and economic development.
