We’re excited to recognize Mohammed Hosam Gabralla, Project Manager for the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) Sudan, as this month’s Champion!
Each month, AMP spotlights individuals driving forward clean energy solutions across Africa at national, regional, or global levels.
As AMP Sudan’s Project Manager since December 2024, Mohammed has led the design and deployment of a 2.5 MW solar off-grid pilot in collaboration with UNDP. With a strong background as a Senior Energy Specialist, he has contributed to Sudan’s renewable energy master planning, led large-scale solar projects, and actively engages stakeholders to foster an enabling environment for energy transition. Mohammed’s leadership is helping to expand sustainable energy access and accelerate Sudan’s shift away from fossil fuels in off-grid communities.
Q: What’s your story—how did you end up working in the clean energy industry?
A: My journey into the clean energy industry has been a natural evolution of my engineering background and growing passion for sustainable development. I began my career as a Shift Engineer at Khartoum North Power Station, where I gained hands-on experience in conventional power generation, monitoring steam turbine operations, and managing plant auxiliaries. This foundation in traditional energy systems provided me with valuable insights into the inner workings of the energy sector.
During my tenure at the Thermal Power Generation Company, I was part of the core team that established Sudan’s energy transition program, which encompassed both nuclear power and renewable energy sources. This exposure to diverse energy options sparked my interest in cleaner alternatives. I led the planning unit for the nuclear power program and developed comprehensive plans for integrating over 6000 MW of power capacity from various sources.
My academic pursuits further shaped my trajectory—I earned an M.Sc. in Nuclear Energy Science & Engineering, which deepened my understanding of low-carbon energy solutions. This educational background, combined with my practical experience, positioned me well for the transition to renewable energy.
The pivotal moment came when I joined the Renewable Energy General Directorate at the Sudanese Electricity Holding Company as a Senior Energy Specialist. There, I was able to fully apply my expertise to clean energy initiatives. I served as a core expert in developing Sudan’s national renewable energy master plan, targeting up to 2,000 MW of renewable projects, oversaw renewable resource assessments, and led multiple solar initiatives, including a 1.5 MWp solar PV installation and a 54 MW IPP solar PV project.
My role expanded further when I worked as an Energy Consultant for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), where I led the Renewables Readiness Assessment for Sudan, bringing together diverse stakeholders to create an enabling environment for renewable energy development.
Currently, as a Project Manager for the Africa Minigrids Program (AMP) under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and a Climate Mitigation Senior Analyst at UNOPS, I’m focused on expanding clean energy access and supporting climate mitigation efforts globally. This journey from conventional power to renewable energy and climate action represents my commitment to sustainable development and energy transition, which I believe is crucial for our planet’s future.
Q: Briefly describe your role and involvement with AMP so far.
A: As Project Manager for AMP Sudan since December 2024, I have led overall project management in collaboration with UNDP, directing the design and deployment of a 2.5 MW solar off-grid pilot. My role covers full-cycle oversight, from planning and progress monitoring to financial and risk management in line with GEF-UNDP guidelines. I actively engage stakeholders and contribute to policy development to foster an enabling environment for energy transition. Ultimately, I guide the project toward delivering sustainable clean energy solutions that improve the energy landscape and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in off-grid settings.
Q: What excites you most about the potential of AMP, specifically in your country?
A: What excites me most about the potential of AMP in Sudan is its ability to be a true catalyst for change. It offers a tangible and scalable solution to our energy access challenges, directly improving lives and creating economic opportunities in off-grid communities. Beyond providing electricity, I am inspired by its role in accelerating our national energy transition, showing a clear and viable pathway away from fossil fuels toward a sustainable future. This project is not only about infrastructure but also about building local capacity, shaping national policy, and establishing a replicable model that can attract investment and transform Sudan’s energy landscape for the better.
Q: What is one thing you want people to know about minigrids and access to electricity?
A: One thing I want people to understand is that minigrids are far more than a technical solution for providing electricity; they are powerful catalysts for holistic community development. They offer the fastest and most cost-effective way to deliver reliable power to remote areas, unlocking opportunities for education through better-lit schools, improved healthcare through functional clinics, and economic growth by energizing local businesses and agriculture. By establishing these decentralized energy systems, we are not simply connecting homes to a grid but laying the groundwork for sustainable development, resilience, and prosperity in regions that have been left in the dark for far too long.