Sudan University of Science and Technology College of Graduate Studies Department of Electrical Engineering

Solar energy in Sudan: 
Energy is an essential factor in the development movement, since it 
stimulates and supports the economic growth and development. In recent years, 
Sudan has increased efforts to exploit renewable energy sources and reduce its 
dependence on oil [6]. Application of new and renewable sources of energy 
available in Sudan is now a major issue in the future energy strategic planning 
as alternative of fossil conventional energy to provide part of the local energy 
demand. The Government of the Sudan, in cooperation with various international 
development agencies, had explored the role of traditional and renewable energy 
technologies in meeting the demand of energy to the rural communities. There 
appears to be general agreement that the most significant of the renewable energy 
sources is solar energy. Solar energy posses characteristics, which make it highly 
attractive as a primary energy source. It is based upon a continuously renewable 
resource which cannot be depleted and which is not subject to political control. 
Of all energy sources, it is the least encumbered by environmental and safety 
hazards. And, most significantly, it is possible to collect, convert and store solar 
energy with present technology. Long-term operating economy is another 
characteristic of solar energy systems. Solar energy development was taking a 
long time to become technically viable and economically competitive with 
conventional.
energy sources. The main source of energy which applicable in Sudan for 
rural now is solar energy, and Northern State has been considered as one of the 
best parts of the Sudan for exploiting solar energy as shown in Fig 3.1. Solar 
energy applications can be divided into two main categories: solar thermal 
application and photovoltaic technologies (PV). Solar thermal is a technology 
where the heat from solar energy is harnessed for heating purposes, while 
photovoltaic is a technology where arrays of cells which contain solar 

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photovoltaic material convert the solar radiation into direct current electricity. A 
study was conducted to understanding the characteristics and contribution of PV 
technologies; as one of the solar energy technologies, in Northern State (Sudan) 
and provided a baseline research on the specific applications to assess the 
appropriateness of these technologies, and to found out the elements of 
sustainability within the introduced technologies. For the purpose of this study 
both secondary and primary data were obtained. The secondary data had been 
obtained from general literature review and Administration of Energy and 
Mining within Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing and Public Utilities 
(Northern State). The primary data had been collected through a visit to some 
selected locations where solar energy applications were used. Photographs were 
taken at the selected locations for illustration of both technologies besides its 
documentation. 
Figure 3.1 Solar energy resource available in Sudan (Solar Atlas) 

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