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Key Figures & Findings: South Sudan is embarking on a significant renewable energy transformation, with a new solar-plus-battery storage (BESS) project to address the country's alarmingly low energy access.
Image: The recently launched 20MW solar energy plant in South Sudan. Credit: Ezra Group A public-private partnership in South Sudan has launched the country’s first major solar power plant and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the capital Juba, where it is expected to provide electricity to thousands of homes.
Future Implications: Integrating solar and storage solutions could stabilize South Sudan’s energy infrastructure, creating a model for renewable energy adoption in other energy-deprived regions. South Sudan launches solar-BESS project to expand grid access, replacing diesel generators and boosting energy for underserved regions.
Most of the country’s current energy production comes from generators that burn imported diesel, a costly method both economically and environmentally. According to the World Bank, only 8.4% of the population had reliable access to power and electricity in 2022, leaving the door wide open to produce much-needed renewable energy in South Sudan.
In 2011, The United States and Saudi Arabia jointly set up a solar-research station in Al-Uyaynah village. The village, located about 30 miles northwest of Riyadh, had no electric supply at the time. The station is operated by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.
The company became the first operator in the Kingdom to provide this service commercially and make it available to customers in a number of cities in the Kingdom. Globally, 5G users in Saudi Arabia see the fastest overall average download speed. The Western Asian country records a download speed experience of 414.2 Mbps.
STC has by far the best 4G/5G network in Saudi Arabia in 2025. However if you just stick to the cities, all three providers offer 5G in Riyadh, Medina, Jeddah, Mecca, AlUla, etc. Zain has the cheapest prepaid sim card plan for tourists with 3 GB data for 34.5 SAR. Prices for prepaid sim card plans in Saudi Arabia start from $9.2 USD.
The main technologies Saudi Arabia employs are photovoltaic and concentrated solar power. Of these two, photovoltaic (PV) systems are the most commonly applied throughout Saudi Arabia. They produce clean electricity by converting solar energy through semiconductor materials.
They help fill coverage gaps, improve network reliability, and handle high data traffic. In cities, more than 60% of 5G base stations are small cells, placed on rooftops, lampposts, and building facades. These mini base stations are crucial for delivering consistent 5G speeds in crowded areas like stadiums, shopping malls, and business districts.
5G networks divide coverage areas into smaller zones called cells, enabling devices to connect to local base stations via radio. Each station connects to the broader telephone network and the Internet through high-speed optical fiber or wireless backhaul.
To solve this, telecom companies are installing indoor 5G base stations, which are growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 30%. For businesses operating in offices, malls, or large commercial spaces, installing indoor 5G solutions can greatly enhance connectivity.
19. The top 5 telecom equipment providers for 5G base stations are Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, ZTE, and Samsung When it comes to 5G base station equipment, five companies dominate the market: Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, ZTE, and Samsung. These firms provide the hardware and software needed to power the world’s 5G networks.
