As of 2023, Suriname’s total installed solar power capacity is 12 MW.⁵

Exact target capacity is not given but;

• Suriname’s renewable electricity generation target as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is 47% by 2027.⁶

Majority of electricity is generated by oil in Suriname. Following is the related information is given;⁷

• Total cost of electricity (including generation, transmission, operational, and maintenance costs): 13 US cents/kWh
• Cost of fuels and lubricants for the Heavy Fuel Oil power plant: 8 US cents/kWh
• Projected cost of solar energy: Expected to decrease to 6 US cents/kWh by 2025, making it cheaper than electricity from conventional fossil fuel plants.

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• The electricity service is available for an average of 6 hours daily, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
• Rural households do not incur any charges for this service, as the Government of Suriname (GOS) covers all associated costs.

Current installation ⁶

• The first phase of Suriname Village PV Microgrid Project is serving 2,500 households and 15,000 residents.

Projected installations ⁷

Total projected number is not available but;

• There are 135 villages in the hinterland of Suriname that are considered feasible for solar energy implementation.

Installed Solar Farms ⁶

As of now, only one notable operational solar farm in Suriname.

 Projected Solar Farms ¹⁰¹¹

There is a plan of several solar farms for future in Suriname but, as per recent data, Suriname is currently working on two notable major solar farms for future.

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Current Off-Grid Market Demand in Suriname:

• Suriname’s current off-grid solar market demand is primarily driven by its remote interior villages, where grid extension is neither feasible nor economically viable.
• These regions rely heavily on diesel generators, leading to a strong demand for alternative, sustainable energy solutions like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and hybrid systems (solar combined with diesel generators).
• Projects like the microgrid initiative by PowerChina, which covers 34 remote forest villages, reflect this growing demand for off-grid solar solutions.
• Additionally, ongoing government and international efforts aim to increase electricity access, emphasizing off-grid and decentralized solar power systems for isolated communities​

Future Off-Grid Market Demand in Suriname:

• The future off-grid market demand is expected to grow significantly as the country continues to focus on rural electrification.
• With ongoing feasibility studies for projects like the floating photovoltaic (FPV) plant at Afobaka and government plans to achieve greater energy independence, off-grid solar installations are forecasted to increase in scale.
• International partnerships, such as those with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), aim to promote sustainable off-grid solutions.
• The success of microgrid projects and future expansion into regions currently without reliable power will further drive demand for off-grid solar systems​

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Current On-Grid Solar Demand in Suriname:

• The current on-grid solar demand in Suriname is relatively modest, with solar energy contributing approximately 0.5% to the national grid’s power supply.
• The country’s primary sources of electricity generation include hydropower and thermal generation (combining for nearly 99%).
• However, with Suriname’s commitment to increasing the share of renewable energy in its grid, the demand for grid-tied solar installations is expected to rise.
• The government, along with Energiebedrijven Suriname (EBS), has been focusing on small-scale solar farms and rooftop solar projects to complement the existing energy mix​.

Future On-Grid Solar Demand in Suriname:

• The future on-grid solar demand is projected to grow significantly, with Suriname aiming to achieve a 10% solar contribution to its grid in the near future.
• The government’s strategic goals for 2060 include transitioning to a fully renewable electricity market.
• To meet these objectives, the country is investing in large-scale solar projects, such as the planned Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) plant at the Afobaka Hydropower Plant. International partnerships, such as those with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), will also play a crucial role in expanding on-grid solar capacity and meeting future demand​.

A Solar System Installers in Suriname working in Suriname typically earns around 1,054.56 USD per year. This can range from the lowest average salary of about 555.88 USD to the highest average salary of 1,597.96 USD.¹⁵

The current population of Suriname is 635,776 ¹⁶

Estimate for Factory Rent

Monthly Average Warehouse Rental Cost ¹⁷

Here are the warehouse rents in the Suriname area from the RE/MAX listings:

Kwattaweg

• Price: $1,250 / month
• Details:
• Warehouse area: 750 m²
• Features 5 office spaces, a kitchen, and a bath/toilet.
• Easily accessible for staff and trucks, with a large roller door suitable for container access.

Key Components of Administrative Costs

Salaries and Wages: ¹⁵

A Solar Photovoltaic Installer working in Suriname typically earns around 1,054.56 USD per year. This can range from the lowest average salary of about 555.88 USD to the highest average salary of 1,597.96 USD

Monthly Rents for Office Space ¹⁸

The average rental rate for office space is approximately $11.20 per square meter per month, which is about $1.04 per square foot.

Electricity Generation ¹⁹

• In 2022, electricity generation in Suriname was nearly evenly divided between fossil fuels and low-carbon sources.
• Slightly more than half, around 52%, was generated from fossil fuels, while the remaining 48% came from clean energy sources.

 Transmission & Distribution ²⁰

• In Suriname, the transmission of electricity is managed primarily by EBS (Energie Bedrijven Suriname), the state-owned utility company responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the country.
• EBS operates a network of transmission lines that transport high-voltage electricity from generation plants to substations.
• The transmission lines are primarily designed to handle voltages of 69 kV, 110 kV, and some sections at 220 kV.

 Energy Access ²¹

• Suriname has nearly 100% access to electricity for its population.

Energy Exports ²²

• In 2022, Suriname’s exports of refined petroleum totaled $279 million.
• The primary destinations for these exports included Guyana ($133 million), Belgium ($33 million), the United States ($18.4 million), France ($17.9 million), and Barbados ($12.1 million).

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Draft Green Paper (2012)

• While Suriname currently lacks a comprehensive legislative framework for electricity and renewable energy, the 2012 draft green paper outlines guidelines for future electricity legislation, addressing aspects such as energy security, institutional provisions, cost recovery, and environmental impacts related to tariff setting by the national utility (EBS).

Electricity Act 2016

• In Suriname, the regulations for solar panels and renewable energy development are shaped by the 2016 Electricity Act, which provides a framework for renewable energy integration.
• This law encourages the use of renewable sources like solar and wind to diversify the energy matrix and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
• Solar energy is seen as particularly useful for off-grid areas such as the hinterland, where solar mini-grids provide a clean alternative to diesel generators, offering reliable electricity for remote communities.

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Tax-Based Incentives:

• Tax holiday: A nine-year corporate income tax holiday, which can be extended by an additional year for large investments of at least US$13 million.

NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action) project

The NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action) project in Suriname focuses on „Off-grid Renewable Energy Solutions in Rural Suriname.“ Launched in 2021, the project aims to enhance electricity access in rural areas through the implementation of hybrid mini-grids that integrate renewable energy sources.

Key details of the NAMA project include:

• Estimated Cost: The total estimated cost for implementation is approximately $12.99 million.
• Emission Reductions: The project is expected to achieve around 0.02457 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions reductions over its lifetime. This is calculated by comparing emissions from the project with baseline emissions from existing fossil fuel-based systems​
• Technology Focus: The project will transition communities from reliance on fossil fuel-powered mini-grids to hybrid systems that include renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind​

Development of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Electrification of Suriname (SU-G1001)

• It is initiated in 2013, promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency, including solar, hydropower, and bioenergy projects.

Current Projects ⁶

Solar Energy Project in Suriname

• Capacity: 5 MW
• Location: Upper reaches of the Suriname River
• Target Villages: Seven large villages
• Number of Households Served: 2,500
• Total Residents Served: 15,000
• Average Consumption per Household: 300 watts per day

 Future Projects ¹⁰¹¹

45 megawatt-peak Solar Power Plants

• Capacity: Over 45 megawatt-peak (MWp)
• Location: Suriname and/or Trinidad and Tobago
• Households Served: Over 14,000 average households
• Details: The collaboration partners involved in this initiative are Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V. and the National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. They formalized their partnership through an agreement dated June 4, 2024. The significance of this collaboration lies in its potential to strengthen the relationships between the energy sectors of Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, while also promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) Project

• Location: Afobaka Hydropower Plant, Suriname
• Details: The FPV project is being planned in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It involves the installation of floating solar panels on the Afobaka dam reservoir. Currently in the feasibility study phase, the project aims to complement the hydropower generation at the Afobaka plant. By leveraging the large water surface, the floating solar farm will contribute to Suriname’s renewable energy portfolio, aiming to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels while utilizing existing water resources for clean energy production​

Company Name: Elgawa

• Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
• Website: elgawa.com
• Services and Products:
  • Services: Maintenance of electrical and solar systems, electric boilers, diesel and gas generators, variable frequency drives, electric motors, medical and security equipment, air-conditioning, and ventilation systems. The company also offers repair and maintenance services for boilers, water installations, generators, and electrical installations.
  • Products: Air conditioners, electrical materials, generators, technical materials, and Blygold corrosion protection.
  • Elgawa is a licensed distributor of well-known brands like Generac, Trane, Legrand, Fronius, ABB, and Vita.

Company Name: Solar Power Solutions Pvt Ltd

• Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
• Website: solarpspl.com
• Services and Products:
• Services: Solar installation, system design, commissioning, after-sales support, and manufacturing. Specializes in solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
• Products: Rooftop solar plants, solar water heaters, solar pumps, solar lights, solar EV charging stations, solar panels, and large-scale solar power plants.

HSW Energy N.V.

• Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
• Website: hswenergy.com
• Services and Products:
• Specializes in renewable energy solutions including solar PV systems, solar water heaters, solar water pumping, and power generation systems. They cater to residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects across Suriname, Guyana, and the Caribbean.
• Contact: +597-455-776, sales@hswenergy.com