Electricity in Suriname in 2022

In 2022, electricity consumption in Suriname shows a substantial balance between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity, at around 52%, is generated from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy accounts for about 48% of the electricity, with a significant contribution from hydropower, which alone provides nearly 47%. This composition highlights that while Suriname is on a commendable path towards clean energy, its heavy reliance on fossil fuels still poses concerns for sustainability and environmental impact.

Suggestions

To further promote low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname could draw lessons from countries that have successfully bolstered their clean energy sectors. For instance, Denmark generates nearly 59% of its electricity from wind power, setting a strong precedent for utilizing wind energy in regions with favorable conditions. Similarly, Uruguay's strategic focus on wind power, making up 33% of its electricity, aligns with Suriname's potential for diverse clean energy harnessing. Additionally, exploring solar energy strategies, akin to Greece where solar contributes 22% to electricity production, could diversify and strengthen Suriname's energy independence. While nuclear energy offers a robust avenue for steady low-carbon electricity, for regions with viable potential, focusing initially on wind and solar could provide swift advancements in Suriname's clean energy landscape.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Suriname, hydropower has played a pivotal role since the early 1980s. During this period, fluctuations in hydropower generation were evident, with incremental increases and occasional declines, indicating varying hydrological conditions and infrastructure development. The late 1980s and early 1990s experienced modest gains, while the year 2000 saw a significant drop of 0.6 TWh. Although some recovery occurred in 2010 with an increase of 0.3 TWh, recent years such as 2016 also highlighted positive trends in hydropower growth. This historical pattern underscores the ongoing importance of enhancing and stabilizing hydropower alongside integrating additional low-carbon sources such as wind and solar to ensure a resilient and sustainable electricity infrastructure in Suriname.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources