Establishing a governmental sustainability unit in Sudan: Policy and legislative framework for advancing renewable energy projects

Sudan’s sustainable development depends on reliable energy access and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, which remain scarce and costly. Despite numerous small- to medium-sized renewable energy initiatives, many projects have failed after short operation periods due to weak institutional frameworks, fragmented governance, inadequate maintenance, and limited funding—conditions were further worsened by the ongoing conflict and the resulting infrastructure collapse. This study proposes the establishment of a Governmental Sustainability Unit as a dedicated institutional mechanism to ensure the long-term functionality, oversight, and community impact of renewable energy projects in Sudan. Based on the relevant data in the literature specific to Sudan, the study identifies critical institutional and policy gaps and presents a structured framework for the Governmental Sustainability Unit, including its legal mandate, organizational design, monitoring and evaluation systems, capacity-building programs, and strategies for public engagement and international collaboration. The proposed unit centralizes coordination, strengthens regulatory enforcement, and integrates technical, financial, and community-based approaches to safeguard project sustainability. By providing a first-of-its-kind, operationalizable model for sustaining decentralized renewable energy initiatives in post-conflict contexts, this framework offers actionable insights for policymakers in Sudan and other developing countries seeking to enhance renewable energy resilience and long-term sector stability. Framework for Institutionalizing Sustainability Assurance in Renewable Energy Projects in Sudan. • Proposal for a governmental unit to sustain Sudan's renewable energy. • Framework ensures monitoring, funding, and community involvement. • Unit promotes policy, capacity building, and international collaboration.