Project Background
Malakal has historically served as the regional capital for the Upper Nile region of South Sudan, and as a commercial hub along the White Nile. Following the outbreak of civil war in late 2013, the city saw heavy fighting and the infrastructure was largely destroyed. In response to the targeting of civilians, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) opened its bases in Malakal and other large cities to civilians fleeing the violence. Today, Malakal hosts one of the largest internally displaced person (IDP) camps in the country.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations organization, manages the Humanitarian Hub for Malakal camp. The Hub hosts more than two dozen humanitarian agencies that provide services to more than 30,000 IDPs. Previously dependent entirely on imported diesel requiring expensive air transport to Malakal, IOM unveiled a new 700kW solar and battery system in 2020 that now meets 80% of the Hub’s energy needs. The solar plant has dramatically reduced IOM’s reliance on diesel while providing significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy costs. The project, which was developed by Scatec Solar and Kube Energy, is also the first major example of private sector actors financing and constructing a renewable energy power plant for a United Nations field operation.
Role of Peace Renewable Energy Credit
Photo credit: International Organisation for Migration
P-RECs issued by EPP from IOM’s new solar plant were obtained by 3Degrees, and transferred to Block to further the company’s commitment to financial inclusion and desire to support forward-looking sustainability projects. The arrangement between 3Degrees and IOM will allow IOM to fund the solar electrification of the Malakal Teaching Hospital, the main healthcare facility serving the city of Malakal and the surrounding region. Expected to be completed in mid to late 2022, the solar electrification project will enable improved community health services by providing a reliable source of power for the hospital. The P-REC transaction also serves to pilot a funding model that can be replicated by United Nations entities and other international organizations in the field to support humanitarian and peacebuilding initiatives.
Community profile
South Sudan became independent in 2011, and shortly after fell into civil war. One of the least electrified countries in the world, what electricity there is depends entirely on imported diesel to run generators. Unfortunately insecurity and hyperinflation have made diesel scarce and created a thriving black market, leading to some of the highest energy costs in the region. Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile State, and since 2013 has seen significant conflict.
For more information on the potential for renewable energy in South Sudan, please see our case study.
Learn more
Press release regarding the sale of P-RECs