Sudan Vows Phased Power Recovery as Capacity Expansion Continues Despite Constraints

Sudan’s electricity sector remains in a recovery phase from the impacts of the recent war, the Minister of Energy and Oil, Eng. Al‑Mu'tasim Ibrahim Ali, said on Monday, but plans are underway to expand generation and improve service despite persistent obstacles.

Speaking at an electricity sector gathering in Bahri, the minister said restoring regular supply will be gradual even as the ministry works to extend power to residential, industrial and agricultural areas. He urged citizens to stop illegal connections and other violations that undermine supply and revenue.

Al‑Mu'tasim acknowledged tariff adjustments made earlier this year and said some increases were rolled back in consideration of citizens’ circumstances, while stressing that adequate funding is still needed to meet operating costs. He said the ministry is pursuing improvements in staff pay and working conditions and rolling out meters to reduce losses.

Hydropower remains constrained, the minister said, and thermal generation is vulnerable to rising fuel costs driven by regional conditions. He reported progress at the Garri‑1 thermal plant and ongoing work at Om Dabakir, but warned challenges persist.

Al‑Mu'tasim praised Turkish commitments to rehabilitation projects and noted continued cooperation with Egypt, including electricity interconnection despite outstanding debts. He added that authorities are coordinating with national institutions to address sector liabilities.

On renewables, the minister said customs duties on solar imports have been lifted and announced initiatives to promote soft financing for solar projects, particularly in agriculture. He also said a new electricity law has been approved to support sector development.