The global energy crisis between 2021 and 2023 had a significant impact on Suriname, driving up diesel prices and increasing energy costs. The country is now facing a new energy crisis due to the declining water level in the Brokopondo Reservoir, which has severely affected hydroelectric power production.
How the energy crisis in Suriname began
Suriname has been grappling with an economic crisis that the government has attempted to manage. However, the persistent drought has exacerbated the situation, leading to a national energy crisis. The decreased water levels in the Brokopondo Reservoir have reduced hydro-energy production, forcing NV Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) to rely more heavily on thermal power plants (diesel generators), which are now running at full capacity.
More than half of Suriname’s electricity is generated by diesel power plants, consuming approximately one million litres of fuel daily. This method of power generation is not only costly but also environmentally unsustainable in 2025, particularly as the world transitions towards green energy.
Government and industry warnings about the energy crisis
In May 2024, Minister David Abiamofo of Natural Resources (NH) warned that climate change-induced droughts would make the water level in the Afobakka Reservoir increasingly unpredictable. He admitted that he could not predict rainfall patterns in the coming months.
Eddy Fränkel, Director of Staatsolie Power Company Suriname (SPCS), stated in a radio interview in January 2025 that emergency measures are needed to prevent large-scale power outages. He highlighted that the inflow of water into the reservoir in January was significantly below the 30-year average. In December 2024, the water inflow was only 48% of normal levels, dropping to just 25% in late January.
Fränkel warned that to restore the reservoir to its normal capacity, an above-average inflow of water is required. With typical rainfall patterns, it could take up to two years for the reservoir to recover fully. He stressed that in the short term, the only viable solution is to lease emergency generators.
Addressing the energy shortfall
In response to the energy crisis, energy company executives announced in January that significant capacity expansion is required for EBS. Director Leo Brunswijk stated on 23 January that Suriname needs an additional 74 megawatts of capacity, requiring an investment of approximately USD 127 million.
The Staatsolie Power Company attributes the reservoir’s low water levels to a lack of rainfall in recent weeks. Viral social media images reveal previously submerged islands reappearing in the reservoir. Steven Petrusi, a representative of the Saamaka authorities, noted that he has never seen the reservoir’s water level so critically low.
Consumer impact
Albert Alleyne, Chairman of the Consumers’ Association, emphasised that the energy crisis will significantly affect consumers. He urged policymakers to develop strategies to protect residents from the rising costs of electricity. Alleyne stressed that Suriname must prioritise generating clean and renewable energy, as is being done globally.
He warned that the crisis would have ripple effects beyond government and energy providers. The transition to renewable energy must accelerate, particularly at the household level, to reduce dependence on both the Afobakka hydroelectric power plant and EBS generators.
The Consumers’ Circle, led by Alleyne, has encouraged local businesses and residents to adopt sustainable practices. The organisation has promoted the use of recycled shopping bags instead of plastic ones as part of broader efforts to encourage environmental responsibility. “Small changes, like reusing bags, matter,” Alleyne said.
He also stated that Surinamese businesses must adapt by providing sustainable household products that allow consumers to transition to an energy-efficient lifestyle.
“People will have to learn and adjust their lifestyles—not just in Suriname, but worldwide.”
Meanwhile, the Surinamese Business Association has yet to comment on the crisis.
Hydrologists warn of long-term risks to Suriname’s energy supply
Hydrologist Oclaya Verwey has linked the energy crisis in Suriname directly to climate change, warning that the country’s heavy reliance on hydro-energy is increasingly risky. She explained that Suriname’s electricity supply depends on vast water reserves from the Blommenstein Reservoir. However, changing rainfall patterns have resulted in longer drought periods, reducing the water available for hydro-energy production.
The future of Suriname’s energy security
Verwey further highlighted that unpredictable precipitation patterns pose significant risks to the country’s energy sector. Without guaranteed water reserves, Suriname’s energy security remains uncertain. Future climate projections suggest continued challenges with hydro-energy production.
“The water from the Suriname River and the reservoir is used for multiple purposes, not just energy generation. If we continue relying solely on hydro-energy, other sectors dependent on water will face shortages,” Verwey warned.
She stressed that with the ongoing climate crisis and global energy trends, Suriname must transition to alternative energy sources. Ensuring energy security in both the short and long term will require increased investment in renewable energy solutions. As energy demand continues to rise, the country must also prioritise the sustainable management of its water resources.
Suriname’s energy crisis is a wake-up call for urgent investment in alternative energy sources. With climate change driving prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall, hydro-energy alone cannot sustain the nation’s growing energy demands. The government, businesses, and consumers must collaborate to shift towards renewable energy and sustainable resource management to prevent future crises.
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This story was originally published by Key News, with the support of the Caribbean Climate Justice Journalism Fellowship, which is a joint venture between Climate Tracker Caribbean and Open Society Foundations.
