Leapfrogging towards distributed energy systems: The case of Khartoum, Sudan

With the ever-deteriorating environment and rise in natural related disasters in Africa, it has become essential that alternative energy generation methods are explored. Africa is the world’s highest rising economy which results in a substantial increase in energy consumption. With over 40% of sub-Saharan Africans not having access to any form of electricity, there is potential that Africa can lead the world in powering it’s population via renewably powered distributed energy systems and ‘leapfrogging’ traditional unsustainable power generation methods. The research presents a framework which can be used by designers and investors to implement renewably powered distributed energy systems in unconnected areas. The research will compare the energy performance of two low and zero carbon technologies (photovoltaics and wind) in the context of Khartoum, Sudan using dynamic simulation to assess which is the most feasible to adopt in that climate. Sudan was selected due to its energy supply, environmental and political susceptibility which made it a unique case study to explore. Additionally, a cost analysis was conducted to determine which is the most economically feasible to adopt. The results found that a combination of PV and battery was the most feasible to adopt, as it was able to meet the annual energy demand as well as a positive lifecycle cost. Wind and battery were able to meet the energy demand; however, they were not economically viable.