Electricity in Suriname in 2023

In 2023, Suriname's electricity consumption relies heavily on fossil energy, with over half (around 57%) coming from such sources. However, Suriname has made considerable strides in generating low-carbon electricity, with close to a third (approximately 43%) of its electricity being produced from clean sources, specifically hydropower, which accounts for close to all of this low-carbon share. This suggests that while Suriname does have a substantial foundation in hydropower, there remains a significant dependency on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental concerns like climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname could look towards countries that have successfully integrated substantial clean energy percentages into their grid. Uruguay, for example, generates almost a third of its electricity from wind energy, which could be a viable model for Suriname given compatible climate and geographical conditions. In addition, while Suriname currently does not have a nuclear power program, examining the success of Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides over 60% of electricity, could offer valuable insights into the feasibility and benefits of diversifying the clean energy portfolio with nuclear power. Moreover, embracing solar energy, as seen in Lebanon where almost a third of electricity comes from solar, could harness Suriname's equatorial position, providing a sustainable and clean energy source.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Suriname has predominantly been shaped by developments in hydropower over the decades. In the 1980s, the growth was marked by fluctuations with both increases and decreases such as a notable decline of 0.4 TWh in 1983 and a rise of 0.6 TWh in 1989. The early 2000s saw another downturn with a decrease of 0.6 TWh in 2000, indicating instability in hydropower generation during these times. More recently, from 2010 onwards, Suriname experienced modest adjustments, including an increase of 0.3 TWh in 2010 and a slight decline in subsequent years. This historical context highlights the reliance on hydropower and underscores the potential benefits of diversifying the low-carbon energy mix to ensure a sustainable and stable electricity supply.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources