In 2023, Suriname's electricity consumption is reliant predominantly on fossil fuels, which account for 57% of the energy mix. Low-carbon energy sources, led by hydropower, constitute about 43% of the electricity generation. Hydropower nearly accounts for the entire low-carbon share, which underscores the absence of other low-carbon sources such as solar, wind, or nuclear energy in making significant contributions. The prominence of fossil fuels in the energy mix is concerning, given their known impacts on climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
The electricity sector in Suriname is experiencing a decrease in per capita consumption when compared to historical records. The current consumption stands at 3403 kWh per person, which is a decline of 890 kWh from the peak recorded in 1993. Notably, there has also been a significant drop in low-carbon electricity production, with current generation at 1463 kWh per person compared to a much higher level of 3577 kWh in the same year. This trend suggests that Suriname is not advancing towards more sustainable electricity consumption, which is essential to meet the challenges posed by electrification and the demand for cleaner energy.
Suggestions
Suriname can expand its low-carbon electricity generation by taking cues from successful regions around the world. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia are noteworthy for their substantial reliance on nuclear energy, contributing around 64-69% to their electricity mix, highlighting nuclear's viability as a clean and consistent power source. In terms of solar energy, Lebanon's 31% solar electricity generation sets a remarkable benchmark. Coupling these with the potential for wind energy seen in countries like Denmark and South Dakota, where wind contributes above 57%, offers a diverse pathway for Suriname to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels. Integrating solar, wind, and nuclear energy could position Suriname as a leader in green electricity generation.
History
Delving into the historical trends of low-carbon electricity in Suriname reveals an inconsistent growth pattern in hydropower generation over the years. During the 1980s, fluctuations were common, with some years witnessing decreases, such as a -0.4 TWh change in 1983 and some modest increases like 0.3 TWh in 1982. Notably, the late 1980s and early 1990s saw some positive steps, with consistent albeit small increases in production. However, setbacks have been frequent in the 2000s, with a negative shift noted in critical periods like 2000 and again in 2010. To achieve stable growth in low-carbon electricity, Suriname would benefit from diversifying into additional green energy sources, moving beyond its current reliance on hydropower alone.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.