Chinese eyeing Suriname energy projects

Suriname’s Afobaka hydroelectric complex was the main talking point during a meeting between President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Chinese business executives.

A delegation from Power Construction Corporation of China (Powerchina) expressed interest in the planned overhaul of the 189MW plant, the South American country’s government reported.

Staatsolie Power operates Afobaka which has been targeted for the potential replacement of turbines and installation of a 25-75MW floating solar array.

Suriname’s plans to install solar capacity across the EPAR grid also drew the attention of Powerchina, which expects to meet with authorities again in April.

EPAR is the country’s main power system and concentrates 80% of the national load.

Suriname's power supply comprises thermal (54%), hydro (45%) and solar (1%) and serves a peak load of around 250MW, supplying 1,750GWh annually.

The country aims to transition to a fully renewable electricity market by 2060, increasing solar’s contribution to 10% with the potential for wind to account for 20-30%.