Empowering Nzara Hospital with Off-Grid Energy in South Sudan

Access to reliable power is essential for hospitals to function effectively—especially in remote regions where energy supply can be sporadic and unpredictable. Nzara Hospital, located in South Sudan, faced these challenges head-on. In 2024, Mode Energy embarked on a transformative project to install an off-grid power solution capable of providing 100% of the energy required to run this critical 160-bed hospital, including its operating theatre, blood bank, and specialist clinics. This project, valued at $440,000 + GST, underscores Mode Energy’s commitment to providing sustainable, reliable energy solutions, even in the most challenging environments.

The Challenge: Powering a Remote Hospital  

Nzara Hospital, located in one of the most politically unstable and remote areas of South Sudan, faced frequent power outages that disrupted its ability to deliver critical healthcare services. From operating theatres to life-saving treatments in the blood bank, reliable power is paramount for medical facilities. In an area where the power grid was either unavailable or unreliable, the need for a sustainable energy solution was undeniable.

Mode Energy took on the task of designing and installing a fully autonomous, off-grid power solution that would meet the hospital’s energy demands. Despite the complex logistical challenges of working in a remote location, Mode Energy volunteers brought the project to life, ensuring that Nzara Hospital could continue providing high-quality care without interruption.

Our Solution: A Containerized Off-Grid Power System  

Mode Energy’s solution involved designing and installing a containerized power system capable of providing the hospital with a consistent, reliable energy supply. Here’s a look at the key components that make up this robust energy solution:

• 120kW Ground-Mounted Solar Array: A high-efficiency solar panel system that harnesses the abundant sunlight in the region to generate clean, renewable energy. The solar array is designed to handle the hospital’s total energy load, even during peak usage.
• 200kWh PowerPlus Energy Lithium Battery: The lithium battery storage system stores excess solar energy produced during the day, ensuring the hospital has a reliable power supply at all hours, including overnight or during cloudy periods.
• 20-Foot Shipping Container Power Station: A compact and durable container housing all critical electrical components, making it ideal for remote locations with limited infrastructure. This power station keeps the system organized and protected from environmental factors.
• 100kVA Backup Generator: A reliable backup generator ensures the hospital continues to operate in the rare event of system failure or extreme weather conditions, providing additional energy security when needed.

The Impact: Transforming Healthcare in Nzara  

The successful installation of this off-grid power solution has dramatically transformed Nzara Hospital’s operations. With a steady and reliable power supply, the hospital can now run its facilities with confidence, offering continuous medical services without the interruptions caused by power outages.

Key impacts of this project include:

• Uninterrupted Medical Care: The operating theatre, blood bank, and specialist clinics can function without disruption, ensuring that patients receive the care they need, when they need it.
• Improved Hospital Efficiency: Reliable power means staff can focus on providing care rather than dealing with power-related issues, making the hospital more efficient and effective in delivering its services.
• Attracting Skilled Health Professionals: A stable and reliable energy supply makes Nzara Hospital a more attractive option for doctors and medical staff, supporting recruitment and retention efforts in a challenging environment.

Mode Energy’s work on this project not only provided a sustainable and reliable energy source for the hospital but also demonstrated our ability to adapt to challenging conditions and deliver innovative solutions with long-lasting impact.

Check out more on the project here: