RIYADH: In a bid to boost the country’s development, Sudan has consolidated its energy and mining ministries, and is pursuing nuclear power as a source of electricity, a senior official said at the World Economic Forum here on Monday.

Speaking to Arab News, Minister of Energy and Petroleum Moheiddin Naeem Mohamed Saeed said the merging of the ministries is aimed at capitalizing on the nation’s gold resources. Pursuing nuclear energy would boost the war-torn country’s development, he added.

“Sudan’s significant gold production will be leveraged to drive development in other sectors,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Saeed said that he found the discussions on nuclear energy during the WEF event beneficial, adding that his country has begun the process of developing its nuclear-power sector.

“Having completed the initial two steps, it is now high time to seriously consider nuclear energy, given it is safe. This action will accelerate Sudan’s industrial and developmental progress, potentially spearheading reforms in the energy sector, which is a key indicator of a country’s level of development,” Saeed said.

He said that discussions around energy were critical for all nations. “Energy is no longer a private matter; it is a concern that resonates worldwide. Access to energy is a fundamental right for people everywhere. With the evolving quality of life, energy has become indispensable. From household appliances to industrial machinery, our modern way of life relies heavily on energy,” he said.

Saeed added that the WEF special meeting provides a platform for participants to discuss different energy sources and strategies for investing in them optimally, while keeping costs as low as possible, and developing industry standards.

“This forum seeks to unite the global regulations and provide safe and available energy,” he said.

Saeed said Sudan was developing relations with other nations with regard to energy provision. “We have a power interconnection with Ethiopia, and we have a power interconnection with Egypt; they are our neighbors. We have a big goal to achieve in Africa, which is to pursue this interconnection. So, African countries exchange energy,” he said.

He emphasized that Africa, known for its economic challenges, requires collaborative efforts among its nations to address energy issues effectively. “Energy has become an indicator of whether a country is advanced or not, as I previously said. They strive to integrate electricity and energy in general.”

Saeed said that as an oil-producing country, Sudan had undertaken projects with China and Malaysia. “In early 2000, our oil production reached 500,000 bpd (barrels per day), after the country split into two with the establishment of South Sudan, where most of the oil projects were located.

“Our big challenge now is to cooperate with oil old players or the new ones everywhere, as we have no political issues with any country, and this is business. We have a substantial oil reserve in the north,” he said.

He said Sudan has only exploited 20 percent of its known oil reserves for energy, and the government was striving to maximize production due to high demand.

“We currently meet 40 percent of our energy requirements. Additionally, we have initiatives in solar, thermal and wind energy to generate electricity. Moreover, our river systems, supported by numerous dams, contribute to half of Sudan’s power supply, and we are making significant progress in this area.”

On gas, he said Sudan has potential fields in the Red Sea, and are transitioning electricity stations to utilize more of this source.

RIYADH: Saudi utility firm ACWA Power has expressed interest in investing $10 billion in Malaysia over the next 10 years to develop renewable energy projects. 

According to a report by the Malaysian National News Agency Bernama, ACWA Power will collaborate with Cypark Resources Bhd on the developments.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed this news on his Facebook page following a meeting with ACWA Power Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh. 

Ibrahim said that the Saudi firm is prepared to collaborate with strategic partners in Malaysia to develop multiple renewable projects across various states in the nation. 

“I express my appreciation for ACWA Power’s commitment to increasing its investments in Malaysia and informing that the country always welcomes any effort that contributes to the economic growth of the country and the prosperity of the people,” Ibrahim wrote on his Facebook page.  

He added that ACWA Power has already presented several investment proposals, which include developing renewable sites in Kelantan, Perlis, and Johor, as well as in Terengganu and Sarawak. 

The prime minister said Malaysia will continue to implement investment-friendly policies, with a focus on initiatives ensuring that every deal is simplified and expedited. 

Earlier this month, ACWA Power signed a new agreement with SOCAR, the state oil company of Azerbaijan, to accelerate the development of renewable projects in the nation. 

“The primary directive of the agreement will be to enhance SOCAR’s carbamide fertilizer facility, striving toward more value-added low-carbon products,” said ACWA Power in a statement at that time.  

In the same month, the Saudi-listed firm also signed another deal with the International Renewable Energy Agency to accelerate the adoption of clean energy worldwide. 

Under the deal, the utility developer will work closely with IRENA to share crucial insights on infrastructure investment in renewable energy, green hydrogen advancement, solar energy, and the intersection of energy and water.  

ACWA Power and IRENA will also investigate avenues to mobilize finance and investment for renewable projects, along with supporting infrastructure for the development, storage, distribution, and transmission of clean energy.