Sudan’s war-driven blackouts push residents toward solar power but high costs shut many out
OMDURMAN, Sudan (AP) — For almost a year, Randa al-Mansour, a 31-year-old Sudanese housewife, has relied on solar energy panels installed on the rooftop of her building to survive the recurrent blackouts triggered by the…
Sudan's ongoing conflict has led to frequent electricity blackouts, compelling residents to turn to solar power. Randa al-Mansour, a 31-year-old housewife in Omdurman, near Khartoum, has been using solar panels to cope with the power outages. The Sudanese military and Rapid Support Forces have been clashing since April 2023, resulting in over 59,000 deaths, with aid groups estimating the actual toll to be higher.
The conflict has also strained the already fragile power infrastructure, leaving many Sudanese to explore alternative energy sources, particularly during the hot summer months. The United Nations Development Program has assessed the damage to the electricity grid at $3 billion. While solar energy has provided a solution for some, such as al-Mansour, who relies on remittances from her husband working in Saudi Arabia, it remains inaccessible for the majority of the population.
Solar panels, batteries, and inverters are now prominently displayed on billboards in Khartoum, as more Sudanese consider making the switch. However, a solar system for a low-income household can cost around $5,000, posing a significant financial burden.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
