In 2023, Suriname's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, which account for more than half of the total electricity use at approximately 57%. On the brighter side, close to half of Suriname's electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower, which contributes roughly 42% of the total electricity. This indicates a solid foundation in clean energy that can be further expanded, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping combat the negative impacts of climate change and air pollution associated with their use.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
However, electricity consumption in Suriname seems to be declining, as indicated by the current numbers. The latest electricity consumption is about 3,400 kWh per person, which is significantly lower by almost 900 kWh compared to the record-high figure of over 4,200 kWh per person from 1993. When considering low-carbon electricity specifically, the numbers further highlight a reduction, with current low-carbon generation at approximately 1,450 kWh per person, a decrease of over 2,100 kWh from the peak in 1993. This decline is concerning as it suggests stagnation in Suriname's energy transition towards cleaner sources, hindering efforts to meet rising electricity demands.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname could learn from successful regions. Solar energy has been highly effective in states like Nevada and California, where around 30% of electricity comes from solar power. Suriname could take inspiration from these regions and invest in solar infrastructure, leveraging its tropical climate. Additionally, ramping up nuclear energy can be a viable option, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where over half of their electricity generation is nuclear. By collaborating with experienced nations and investing in safe, clean, and efficient nuclear technology, Suriname can significantly augment its low-carbon energy profile while reducing its carbon footprint.
History
In reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in Suriname, particularly hydropower, there have been fluctuations over the past decades. Starting in the early 1980s, hydropower experienced modest growth with an increase of 0.3 TWh in 1982, followed by a decline of 0.4 TWh in 1983. The later years of the 1980s saw variable changes, but 1989 marked a notable increase of 0.6 TWh. Entering the 1990s, the growth pattern continued with some fluctuations, as seen in 1991 with a 0.2 TWh increase, while the late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed occasional declines. The mid-2000s heralded sporadic growth, peaking in 2016 with a 0.3 TWh increase. These historical shifts underscore the potential for enhancement, particularly through diversification into solar and nuclear to shield against hydropower variability.
