In 2023, Suriname's electricity consumption is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, as they account for slightly more than half of the electricity generated in the country, totaling 57%. On the brighter side, low-carbon energy sources contribute about 43% of the electricity generation, and nearly all of this is supplied by hydropower (42%). With low-carbon energy comprising such a significant portion, it's clear that Suriname is taking steps toward cleaner electricity generation. However, the country's reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern, especially considering the environmental impact associated with them, including climate change and air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
Despite these efforts to utilize low-carbon sources, the overall electricity consumption per person in Suriname has declined. In 2023, it stands at 3,403 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than the historic record of 4,293 kWh per person observed in 1993. The decrease of 890 kWh per person indicates a downward trend in electricity use. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation per person has seen a dramatic drop of 2,114 kWh compared to the 1993 record of 3,577 kWh per person. This decline is disheartening, especially in an era where increased electricity consumption, particularly from sustainable sources, is critical for driving economic growth and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Suriname, the country can draw lessons from various regions excelling in this field. For instance, Denmark and Iowa have demonstrated significant success in harnessing wind power, producing 57% and 62% of their electricity from this clean source, respectively. Suriname's geographical location offers potential for both wind and solar energy, and adopting such technologies could be beneficial. Furthermore, regions like Lebanon and Nevada generate about 31% and 29% of their electricity from solar power, showcasing the potential of solar energy. To diversify its clean energy mix, Suriname should also consider investing in nuclear power, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes 69% and 64% of the electricity generation, respectively. By expanding into both solar and nuclear avenues, Suriname can effectively increase its share of clean electricity, supporting its energy transition endeavors.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Suriname is characterized by hydropower developments, with fluctuations in electricity output over the years. In the 1980s, hydropower saw a mix of modest increases and declines, with significant reductions in 1983 (-0.4 TWh) and 1987 (-0.5 TWh). The early 1990s experienced maintenance, with small but consistent increments, like in 1991 and 1993. A notable decline occurred in 2000 when hydropower decreased by 0.6 TWh. In the following decade, there was renewed growth in 2010, with an increase of 0.3 TWh, along with minor variations. However, more recent years have shown mixed results, with declines in hydropower output in certain years, like 2011 and 2012, followed by stabilization with slight growth in subsequent operations. These historical fluctuations emphasize the need for Suriname to enhance its low-carbon production by integrating diverse sources like solar and nuclear to ensure a more stable and sustainable energy supply.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.