In 2023, fossil fuels supplied more than half of Suriname’s electricity—about 57%—while low-carbon sources supplied the remaining 43%. Hydropower dominated the clean electricity mix, accounting for about 42% of all electricity consumed, with other low-carbon sources contributing less than 1%. Suriname therefore has a substantial clean electricity foundation, but fossil fuels still provide the majority, contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?

Suriname’s electricity consumption per person remains well below its historical peak, rather than showing growth beyond that record. In 2023, consumption was about 3,400 kWh per person, roughly 890 kWh, or 21%, below the 1993 record of about 4,300 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation per person was about 1,460 kWh, down roughly 2,110 kWh, or 59%, from its 1993 peak of nearly 3,580 kWh. These shortfalls are concerning, especially for clean electricity, although comparing two record-related figures does not establish the latest year-to-year trend. Expanding clean generation would help meet future electricity demand from electrification and growing digital infrastructure.

Suggestions

Suriname can build on its hydropower foundation by expanding solar electricity, developing wind where local conditions support it, and considering nuclear electricity as part of its long-term planning. Relevant regional examples include Brazil, where solar supplies about 11% of electricity and wind 15%, and Chile, where solar provides almost a quarter. Uruguay’s wind share of about a third offers another useful South American example. For stronger solar deployment, Suriname can also learn from the US state of Nevada, where solar supplies 35% of electricity. Nuclear experience in France and Slovakia, where it generates roughly two-thirds of electricity, demonstrates its substantial contribution to clean electricity systems. These examples offer lessons in planning, expertise, and infrastructure that Suriname can adapt to its own electricity needs.

History

Suriname’s recorded low-carbon electricity history is dominated by fluctuations in hydropower. The 1980s saw gains of 0.3 TWh in 1982 and 0.2 TWh in 1985, alongside declines in 1983, 1986, and 1987; a recovery followed with increases of 0.2 TWh in 1988 and 0.6 TWh in 1989. Generation rose another 0.2 TWh in 1991, then fell by the same amount in 1995 and by 0.3 TWh in 2000. After a small decline in 2005, consecutive gains during 2006–2008 added a combined 0.5 TWh. Further declines in 2010–2012 and 2014 totaled 0.8 TWh, followed by a welcome recovery of 0.3 TWh in 2016 and 0.1 TWh in 2017. This uneven history highlights the importance of sustained growth and a broader clean electricity mix.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade