Former Sudan Energy Minister Urges National Energy Charter to Prevent Fragmentation

What happened

Radio Dabanga reports that former Sudanese Energy Minister Eng Khairy Abdelrahman Ahmed advocates for a national energy charter designed to secure fair electricity production, transmission, and distribution throughout Sudan. Abdelrahman warns that historically unequal energy access has aggravated instability and conflict.

In his research paper titled 'The Role of “Balanced Energy” in the Strategic Vision of Rebuilding the Sudanese State,' Abdelrahman emphasizes placing energy at the centre of post-conflict reconstruction. He calls for a 'new social development contract' coupling energy sector reforms with national stability through equitable access to basic services.

The paper highlights three main priorities: delivering energy justice by focusing on underserved regions, safeguarding energy infrastructure amid conflicts, and coordinating national planning and investment efforts. Abdelrahman stresses narrowing the development gap between Sudan’s political centre and marginalised areas, linking local resource wealth to regional progress, and ensuring minimum electricity service levels nationwide.

Known from the source

• Eng Khairy Abdelrahman Ahmed is a former Sudanese Energy Minister.
• He authored a research paper advocating for a national energy charter to rebuild Sudan and prevent fragmentation.
• The paper emphasizes fair electricity production, transmission, and distribution to address instability linked to unequal energy access.
• The conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in Sudan’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread outages affecting hospitals and communication.
• Abdelrahman calls for advanced protection of energy infrastructure and recommends decentralised energy solutions in war-affected areas.

What remains unclear

Energy infrastructure was severely affected by the war, causing outages that disrupted critical services like hospitals and communications. Abdelrahman describes energy facilities as sovereign infrastructure on par with airports and military bases, calling for advanced protection measures including modern technology and artificial intelligence. He also advocates expanding and repairing the national grid alongside decentralised solutions like mini-grids and solar power to maintain service in conflict zones.

Abdelrahman proposes a unified national energy strategy involving academia, diaspora experts, private sector, and international financiers. His vision includes an energy mix by 2040 of 40% hydroelectric, 30% solar, 20% thermal, and 10% wind power, as well as establishing a regional electricity market linking Sudan with neighbours. He sees Sudan positioned to become a regional energy hub but cautions about overdependence on hydropower given climate risks and highlights the need for equitable oil and gas revenue management.

What remains unclear: Official Sudanese government response or endorsement of the proposed national energy charter. Verification of the extent of energy infrastructure damage during the conflict as linked to the claims in the paper. Updates on actual progress towards energy sector rebuilding or mini-grid deployments in affected areas. Confirmation of any international financing commitments related to the energy reconstruction strategy.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Radio Dabanga. Open the source.