Energy Minister Announces Drive to Localize Clean Energy
Sudan’s Minister of Energy, Consultant Engineer Al-Mu‘tasim Ibrahim Ahmed, confirmed that the country has set a strategic objective to localize the clean energy sector. He underscored the importance of assessing local potential in solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass, in line with regional characteristics.
The minister participated in the second day of India Energy Week 2026, taking part in a high-level panel titled “Global South Solidarity on Clean Energy: Strengthening South–South Cooperation for a Shared Future.” The session included Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology, Geohazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management of Vanuatu, as well as Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).
The session saw the participation of a distinguished group of ministers, diplomats, and executives from major Indian energy companies. Discussions focused on the growing role of renewable energy sources in enhancing energy security and building climate resilience in developing countries.
The minister emphasized the need to shift more decisively toward hydropower instead of fossil fuels and to expand reliance on renewable and clean energy sources. He explained that solar energy is the most suitable option for Sudan’s climatic and economic conditions, adding:
“Accordingly, we are working to strengthen and develop the use of solar energy. The slogan ‘One Sun, One Energy’ is most applicable to Sudan. We are an agricultural country, and renewable energy represents the primary source for supporting the agricultural sector.”
In support of this transition, he noted that the Central Bank of Sudan has committed to allocating 12.5% of microfinance funding to the clean energy sector in agriculture and industry, reinforcing efforts to move toward a green and sustainable economy.
On the sidelines of the conference, the minister met with Kiran Calcutt, CEO of Vitol Asia, where the two sides discussed ways to enhance partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Oil and the company, which operates in the trading and distribution of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), in addition to shipping, storage, and energy-related infrastructure services.
In the same context, the minister toured the exhibition of participating companies at the conference and listened to detailed briefings on the areas of activity of energy firms.
