Data Governance Plan for the Energy Model Spatial Data in the Republic of South Sudan

South Sudan has one of the lowest electricity access rates in the world, presenting a major challenge to economic development, poverty reduction, and the delivery of essential public services. National electricity access is estimated at 5.4%, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. Urban electricity access is approximately 5%, while rural access remains below 1%, leaving most of the population dependent on traditional biomass (firewood and charcoal) for cooking and diesel generators for electricity. The national grid is limited to a few urban centers, and many communities rely on expensive, isolated mini-grids or stand-alone solar systems.

The country's electricity supply is dominated by diesel-powered generation, which accounts for the majority of installed capacity and results in high electricity tariffs, among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. Although South Sudan possesses substantial renewable energy resources including abundant solar radiation, hydropower potential, and localized wind resources these remain largely underdeveloped. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure offers an opportunity to improve energy security, reduce generation costs, and increase electricity access in underserved areas.