In 2023, Suriname's electricity consumption profile shows a predominant reliance on fossil fuels, with about 57% of its electricity stemming from fossil sources. However, a significant portion, nearly 43%, comes from low-carbon sources, specifically hydropower, which constitutes about 42% of the total electricity consumption. This notable share of clean energy reflects Suriname's potential to exploit its natural resources for green electricity. Despite this, the reliance on fossil fuels still poses challenges related to climate change and air pollution, underlining the need for further improvements in clean electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
Despite the current use of low-carbon sources, electricity consumption in Suriname today is lower than its historical peak. In 2023, per capita consumption was 3403 kWh, a decline of 890 kWh from the 1993 record of 4293 kWh. The decrease in consumption is even more significant in low-carbon electricity, where consumption dropped by 2114 kWh per person since 1993, falling from 3577 kWh to 1463 kWh. This reduction is concerning in an era when expanding electricity supply, particularly green electricity, is crucial to support economic growth and modern energy demands driven by electrification and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname can draw inspiration from regions where solar, wind, and nuclear power play significant roles. For example, North Macedonia and Nevada demonstrate successful solar power implementations, generating 49% and 34% of their electricity from solar, respectively. Additionally, regions like Iowa and Denmark have effectively leveraged wind energy, generating around 58% and 60% of their electricity from wind. On the nuclear front, France and Slovakia showcase how a strategic focus on nuclear power can result in 67% and 66% of electricity from this clean source, respectively. Adopting similar strategies to develop solar and nuclear infrastructure can complement Suriname's hydropower potential, paving the way for a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future.
History
Historically, Suriname's low-carbon electricity, predominantly from hydropower, has fluctuated over the decades. In the early 1980s, specifically 1982, there was an increase of 0.3 TWh in hydroelectric generation, but the following year saw a decline of 0.4 TWh. The late 1980s marked a period of recovery, notably in 1989, when generation increased by 0.6 TWh. The 1990s and the 2000s reflected mixed outcomes with minor adjustments; however, from 2012 onwards, hydropower generation mostly showed minor declines or slight increases such as the 0.3 TWh upswing in 2016. To regain the momentum of growth in low-carbon electricity production, advancing towards diversified and robust systems involving solar and nuclear energy becomes critical for Suriname.
