In 2023, the electricity consumption landscape in Suriname is divided between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. Currently, fossil energy contributes slightly more than half, at 57%, to the nation's electricity consumption. On the other hand, low-carbon energy, primarily supported by hydropower, constitutes approximately 43% of the total supply. Hydropower alone makes up about 42% of the low-carbon share, highlighting its dominance in Suriname’s clean energy portfolio. This distribution showcases a significant reliance on fossil fuels, yet there’s notable traction for low-carbon electricity, which is essential for combating climate change and reducing air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
Electricity consumption in Suriname, however, is not on a growth trajectory; rather, it has seen a decline. The latest available data shows that the per capita electricity consumption stands at 3403 kWh, which is a considerable drop of 890 kWh since the previous peak in 1993. This downward trend is even more pronounced in low-carbon electricity generation, which has decreased by 2114 kWh per person since 1993. These figures are concerning in the context of meeting future demands driven by electrification and technological advancements, emphasizing an urgent need to revitalize electricity generation, particularly in the clean sector, to ensure sustainable growth and environmental preservation.
Suggestions
To enhance the low-carbon electricity generation in Suriname, the country can draw valuable lessons from regions like France, which generates 69% of its electricity from nuclear energy, and Denmark, where wind energy comprises 49% of the electricity mix. By investing in solar and nuclear power, Suriname can significantly increase its clean energy output. Countries like Lebanon, with substantial solar generation (31%), demonstrate the potential of solar energy in regions with similar sun exposure. These examples offer a blueprint for Suriname to diversify and expand its clean energy profile, creating a resilient and sustainable electricity network by adopting successful solar and nuclear strategies from these regions.
History
The historical trends of low-carbon electricity generation in Suriname have predominantly been shaped by fluctuations in hydropower. In the early 1980s, there were alternations between increases and decreases in hydropower generation, with significant dips like in 1983 with a 0.4 TWh drop. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a more stable period with minor increments, such as in 1989 with a 0.6 TWh increase. Over the last decades, hydropower generation has experienced both moderate increases and declines, such as in 2000 with a 0.6 TWh decrease, followed by smaller changes, reflecting the need for a more stable and diversified clean energy approach to counterbalance these fluctuations and ensure consistent growth for Suriname's future energy needs.
