Sudan, UN clinch USD-217m wind deal

Dec 10, 2014 - Sudan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Wednesday joined hands in a USD-217-million (EUR 175m) project that aims to promote the development of wind projects in Sudan.

The country’s Ministry of Water Resources and Electricity and the UNDP have signed a deal on the funding and implementation of the five-year project, the UNDP said in a press release. As much as USD 213 million of the cost will be covered by the government of Sudan, while some USD 4 million will be provided by UNDP's Global Environment Facility.

The project’s goal is to diversify power sources in Sudan and lower its dependence on fossil fuels, as well as boost the country’s energy security by developing its wind energy resources. It will also aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Sudan, the UNDP said. The project will focus on four key aspects -- the construction of a pilot wind park, improvement of institutional and regulatory policies, increase in the support for wind power and the creation of an adaptive learning and replication plan. The project will further establish regulatory frameworks for encouraging private investment in the sector.

The first wind farm under the project is likely to be constructed in the country’s Northern State.

Sudan boasts average wind speeds of up to 8 m/s monthly, mainly in the Northern region and along the Red Sea coast. However, its wind potential remains tapped while the country experiences frequent power outages. At present, Sudan generates 44% of its total power from fossil fuels.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.808)

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