In 2023, electricity consumption in Suriname primarily relies on fossil energy, which makes up more than half of the electricity mix with a share of around 57%. On the brighter side, nearly 43% of Suriname's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, primarily hydropower, which contributes nearly all of this percentage. This significant reliance on hydropower showcases Suriname's commitment to clean energy sources, although there's still a substantial dependence on fossil fuels that necessitates a shift towards more sustainable alternatives.
Is Electricity Growing in Suriname?
Despite the global push for increased electricity consumption driven by advancements like AI and electrification, Suriname has seen a decline in electricity usage since its peak in 1993. The current electricity consumption stands at about 3403 kWh per person, which is a decrease of 890 kWh when compared to the 1993 record of 4293 kWh/person. Sadly, the low-carbon electricity generation has also dropped significantly by more than 2000 kWh per person against the 1993 figures, now standing at 1463 kWh/person. This trend of stagnation and decline is concerning as it indicates that Suriname is not yet on the path of making substantial strides towards increasing its low-carbon electricity generation.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Suriname can look to successful regions like France and several US states that have excelled in using nuclear and wind energy. France's extensive use of nuclear energy, accounting for 68% of its electricity, could serve as an inspiration for Suriname, highlighting the potential benefits of nuclear as a dependable and scalable clean energy source. In addition, states like Iowa and South Dakota, which efficiently harness wind power contributing more than half of their electricity, present viable models for integrating wind energy. Moreover, adopting solar power strategies similar to Lebanon's, where solar energy comprises 31% of electricity, can further boost Suriname's clean electricity portfolio, complementing both nuclear and wind energy investments.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Suriname is marked by fluctuations in hydropower generation. Throughout the 1980s, changes in hydropower were frequent, with consistent yet minor increases punctuated by occasional declines. The early 2000s and 2010s experienced setbacks, notably in 2000 and 2014, with significant reductions in hydropower output. However, there were years of recovery and progress, such as in 2010 and 2016, where increases in generation were witnessed. Despite these turbulent trends, hydropower remains a crucial pillar of Suriname's low-carbon electricity generation, underscoring the importance of diversifying energy sources to stabilize and grow its clean energy supply for future resilience and reliability.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.