In Suriname, the current electricity consumption is characterized by a mix of fossil and low-carbon sources. More than half of the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, composing around 57% of the total electricity usage. The remaining electricity, almost 43%, is obtained from low-carbon energy sources, with hydropower being the most significant contributor to this category, accounting for approximately 42% of the total electricity consumption in the country. This indicates a strong reliance on hydropower as a pathway to cleaner, more sustainable electricity.
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 has declined compared to historical records. In 2023, the total electricity consumption stands at 3,403 kWh per person, which is notably less than the peak of 4,293 kWh per person achieved in 1993. This decline is mirrored in the low-carbon sector, where the country is generating 1,463 kWh per person as opposed to 3,577 kWh per person in 1993. This stark decrease of over 2,114 kWh per person in low-carbon generation is concerning, highlighting the need for substantial increases in sustainable electricity production as the demand rises with new technological developments and electrification trends.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname could take inspiration from successful regions that have effectively harnessed nuclear and solar energy. For instance, France and Slovakia have achieved remarkable results, with nuclear energy providing 70% and 66% of their electricity, respectively. Concurrently, regions like Nevada and Chile have demonstrated the potential of solar power, with solar contributing around 33% and 23% of their electricity. Suriname could harness similar strategies by developing nuclear power plants and increasing solar installations to diversify its energy portfolio, thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable growth in electricity consumption.
History
Throughout its history, hydropower has played a pivotal role in Suriname's low-carbon electricity generation. The 1980s saw significant fluctuations, with increases in hydropower in 1982 and 1988, but notable declines in other years, particularly in 1983 and 1987. Moving into the 1990s and 2000s, changes were more subdued, with minor gains and losses, which continued into the new millennium, including a slight rebound in 2016 and 2017. While hydropower has been the backbone of Suriname's clean energy efforts, the challenges of maintaining a steady output reveal a need for integrating other low-carbon sources like nuclear and solar to ensure a robust and stable electricity supply in the future.
