In 2023, Suriname's electricity consumption is primarily fueled by fossil energies, contributing to more than half of its total energy mix at approximately 57%. The remainder, around 43%, is supplied by low-carbon sources, with hydropower being the dominant green energy source, providing close to all of the low-carbon electricity at around 42%. This demonstrates that while Suriname has made strides towards incorporating sustainable energy, there is significant room for expansion in the low-carbon sector to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are known to contribute to climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
Despite worldwide trends towards increasing electricity use, Suriname's electricity consumption per person has seen a decline since its historical peak in 1993. In 2023, electricity usage stood at about 3,403 kWh per person, a decrease of nearly 900 kWh compared to 1993. The drop is even more pronounced in low-carbon electricity generation, with current levels at approximately 1,463 kWh per person, which is over 2,100 kWh short of the figures recorded in 1993. These declines are concerning, as the demand for clean electricity is anticipated to rise with global trends towards electrification and as an essential measure against climate change.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname could benefit from studying the strategies of other regions that have successfully diversified their energy portfolios. Several countries, like France and Slovakia, have effectively utilized nuclear energy to generate a significant portion of their electricity cleanly. Moreover, places such as Nevada and Lebanon demonstrate the potential of solar power, with solar contributing to a large portion of their energy mix. By investing in nuclear and solar power, Suriname could significantly boost its clean energy production while reducing fossil fuel dependence, ensuring a sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
The historical context of Suriname's low-carbon electricity, driven primarily by hydropower, shows varied growth since the early 1980s. Notably, there was a modest increase in the early years of the 1980s, with a significant decline observed around the mid-1980s and into the late 1980s. After some fluctuation, the 1990s saw stabilizing trends with minor variations until the early 2000s. Gradually, small increases were observed post-2005, but these gains have not been substantial enough to offset earlier declines. These historical trends emphasize the need for Suriname to aggressively expand its low-carbon infrastructure to achieve a more consistent growth trajectory and move away from the unpredictability of its current reliance on hydropower alone.
