In Suriname, the current state of electricity consumption indicates a primary reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity, approximately 57%, generated from these non-sustainable sources. Low-carbon energy accounts for just under half of the total electricity generation, which stands at nearly 43%. Almost all of this low-carbon energy comes from hydropower. This balance highlights Suriname's progress in adopting cleaner energy solutions but also underscores the need to further transition away from fossil fuels to reduce the negative impacts associated with climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
Examining the trend of electricity consumption in Suriname reveals a disconcerting decrease in per capita electricity use. The latest figures show 3,403 kWh per person in 2023, a significant drop from the previous record of 4,293 kWh per person in 1993, translating to a decline of 890 kWh per person. More notably, low-carbon electricity generation has also fallen, with current values at 1,463 kWh per person—a drastic reduction from the 3,577 kWh per person recorded in 1993, marking a decrease of 2,114 kWh per person. This decline calls for urgent efforts to revitalize growth in electricity consumption, especially clean electricity, to meet rising demand and facilitate sustainable development.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname can look to successful regions for guidance. Countries like France and Slovakia have harnessed nuclear power, generating more than 65% of their electricity through this clean energy source. Similarly, Uruguay and Ireland have made considerable advancements in wind energy, generating around a third of their electricity from this source. Additionally, the solar power initiatives demonstrated by states such as Nevada and California show promising potential, generating over 30% of their electricity from solar energy. Suriname could focus on expanding both nuclear and solar energy, learning from these leading regions to develop a robust framework for sustainable growth.
History
Historically, Suriname's low-carbon electricity generation, predominantly from hydropower, has seen mixed trends. In the early 1980s, there were slight fluctuations, with an increase of 0.3 TWh in 1982 followed by a decrease in subsequent years. A notable decline was observed in 1987, with a reduction of 0.5 TWh. Following the 1990s, incremental changes became more common, with minor increases in generation in 1989 and the mid-2000s. The last significant rise occurred in 2016 with an addition of 0.3 TWh. This pattern highlights inconsistent growth, emphasizing the need for stable and strategic planning in developing low-carbon electricity sources, crucial for Suriname's sustainable future.
