Developments and Future Expansions Potential in the Electric Power System in Suriname

Technical Article 2010 CARILEC Engineering Conference
“Sharing Knowledge and Experience for Practical, Proven Solutions”

Developments and Future Expansions Potential in the Electric
Power System in Suriname
by

Samuel Mehairjan MSc*, Ravish P.Y. Mehairjan BSc**

* Director Generation & Transmission N.V. E.B.S., Paramaribo, Suriname
** Graduate Student Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract

E nergy use in developing countries has risen more than fourfold over the past three decades and
is expected to continue increasing rapidly in the future. This increase in energy use is necessary
and desirable, since energy services are essential for economic growth and improved living standards.
Electricity is one of the most important ingredients for social and economic development in Suriname.
The growth rate in Suriname is approximately 10% annually, and is higher than the demand forecast
in other countries in the region, which have typical values between 3% and 7%. There is a strong
relationship between economic growth and energy usage. Therefore electric utility’s duty is to
facilitate future growth by assuring a reliable and secured supply of electric power. In this context
there are interesting developments realized and forthcoming in the electricity sector in Suriname
induces by the rapid increase in demand for electrical power the coming years. In this first
contribution an overview of the main characteristics of the Energy Companies of Suriname (N.V.
E.B.S.) is given, followed by developments over the past 7 years in the electricity sector of Suriname,
and expansion potentials for the future. This technical article shares knowledge and experience for
practical and proven solutions in the electricity power sector of Suriname. Furthermore, as result of
the trend towards sustainability, reducing environmental pressure and other global concerns the
potential of alternative power sources will be touched. The use of energy efficient apparatus and
energy savings in T&D practices are highlighted. The business sectors are given opportunities to
explore the possibilities in the demand and supply business of the electric power industry in Suriname.

* Contact: Samuel Mehairjan, s.mehairjan@nvebs.com

Introduction

Suriname, also known as the Beating Heart of the Amazon, is a former Dutch colony and politically
independent since 25 November 1975. Suriname is a major Caricom member since 4 July 1995 and is
classified as a continental Caribbean country. The N.V. Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS), the Dutch
translation for Energy Companies of Suriname, is since 3 years a utility member of CARILEC. The EBS
is a 100% government owned company responsible for the delivery of electricity and gas in the
coastal areas and for electricity in some interior areas of Suriname. The districts in Suriname, typically
in the coastal areas, are provided with electricity by independently operated power systems by EBS.
Furthermore, small power systems exist in the interior of Suriname, which are owned and operated by
the Department for Rural Energy of the Ministry of Natural Resources (DEV). The operating frequency
in Suriname is 60Hz and typical voltage ratings are 161kV and 33kV for transmission purpose and 13.8
kV, 12kV and 6kV for distribution purpose, whereas the customers are provided with low voltage
levels of 120/220V. A summary of the main power systems are given bellow and depicted
geographically in figure 1 [1], [2], [5]:
The EPAR system for Paramaribo and the surroundings, reaching as far as the Ocean in the North,
Stolkertsijver in the District of Commewijne in the East, Carl Francois in the District of Saramacca in
the West and The Zanderij (Airport) area in the South. The EPAR system has by far the highest
consumption of electric power in Suriname (consumption of 1000 GWh/a);
The ENIC system for New Nickerie in West Suriname, and the surroundings reaching as far as Groot
Henar in the West (consumption of 50 GWh/a);
The District Power Systems, each operating as an isolated power system with one or more Diesel
Generator Sets in a local power house and located at: Albina, Moengo, Boskamp, Coronie,
Wageningen, Apoera (total consumption together is around 24 GWh/a);
The Rosebel Gold Mines where the Gold Mine operations of IAMGOLD in the Brokopondo district
are supplied with electric power via a dedicated 161 kV overhead power line coming from Afobaka
Hydro power Plant. This system is built and owned by Rosebel Gold Mines (consumption 170 GWh/a);
The Brokopondo Distribution system feeding some villages in the Brokopondo district from the
13.8 kV system at the Afobaka Hydro Power Plant of about 7 GWh/a; The small villages supplied by
the Ministry of Natural Resources is more than 1 GWh.

Suriname is located on the Northern edge of South America, and
bordered by Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil and the Atlantic
Ocean

Facts & Figures
Name: Republic of Suriname
Population: ± 492.829 (2004)
Capital City: Paramaribo
Currency: Surinam Dollar (SRD)
Languages: Dutch (official), English (widely spoken), Sranang
Tongo, others

Land Statistics
Coastline: 240 miles (386 km)
Land Area: 63.038 sq miles (163.270 sq km)

Suriname can be divided into two main geographic regions; the
coastal lowlands of the North, and the tropical rainforests and
savanna of the West and South. Suriname is home to the W.J.
van Blommestein Lake, one of the largest reservoir lakes on the
planet; created by a river dam, it provides hydro power for
many of the country’s industries. Almost 14% of Suriname is
allocated to series of National Parks and Nature Reserves.
Suriname is a land of rivers and Amazon rainforests.
Source: www.worldatlas.com

Fig. 1: Overview of different power systems of EBS [2]

2010 CARILEC Engineering Conference © Copyright Mehairjan Samuel & Mehairjan Ravish 2010
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Short History of EBS was constructed in the Suriname River in the
Brokopondo district from 1960 to 1965. This
The EBS has its root back 100 years ago, hydro power station was taken into operation
established by the Dutch. Similar power and in 1965 and 90% of the generated power of
gas companies are found in the Dutch Antilles approximately 1000GWh went into the
Curacao, Aruba, St. smelting of aluminium, 80km farther, at the
Martin, Bonaire etc. Paranam refinery. And the remaining 80GWh
Suriname was provided on annual basis was sold to the Suriname
of electrical energy for government for the Paramaribo grid. In 1999
the first time in the year the aluminium refinery of Suralco L.L.C. at
1909. The company was Paranam was closed down due to changes in
named the Nederlansch- the aluminium business and environmental
Indische Gas concerns of the aged smelter. Since then the
Maatschappij (N.I.G.M). government of Suriname can purchase an
In this period there were average of 80MW, with a peak of 100MW, and
1082 power points and 88 gas street light up to 700GWh per year from the Hydro Power
points. Because of continues growth of the Plant (HPP) for supplying the Paramaribo grid.
demand for more energy the company was For this purpose a new 27 km transmission line
inclined to expand the generation of more of 161 kV and 2 substations were constructed
electric power for Suriname. In 1928 in 2006. The additional power is generated by
concession was granted to N.I.G.M. for the diesel engines running on premium diesel and
supply of power in Paramaribo over a period of heavy fuel oil all supplied by the Suriname Oil
50 years and in 1929 they started to build a Company (Staatsolie).
power station containing 3 diesel generators
with a total capacity of roughly 1.19MW. Growth of Electricity Demand in
Looking at the core business of the company Suriname
the name of the company was changed in
Overzeese Gas en Energie Maatschappij Due to the end of the military regime and
(OGEM) in the year 1953. This name was more return of democracy from 1987 the economy
in accordance to the of Suriname has taken a fast growth that is
activities of the found back in the demand growth of electrical
company. Because of power of about 6 % per annum. In the past 4
the growing demand for years the demand has been growing towards
gas in the 50’s a new approximately 10 % per year. Such growth
department was added rate is higher than other Caribbean countries,
to OGEM and was which have typical growth rates between the
named the OGANE. This 3% and 7% [10]. The high growth rate in
department was Suriname is a result of the fast economical
responsible for the development witnessed since 2000. This is due
supply of gas. On the EBS Head Office to the development of the oil industry, refinery
second of January in the year 1968 the process, and growth in the mining sector
company changed the name from OGEM to the especially the gold sector (IAMGOLD). Added
NV Energie Bedrijven Suriname (N.V. to this the fast growth of new housing
E.B.S.). During the 1950’s a Dutch civil Prof. schemes, the installation of air-conditioners,
W.J. Van Blommestein identified the hydro the tourist industry (e.g. Berg en Dal Resort),
potentials of the Suriname Rivers. Since Alcoa the horeca sector in development (Royal
and Billiton were exploiting the bauxite ores Torarica Hotel, Best Western Hotel and Marriot
and Suralco had the intention to smelt Hotel) and other commercial developments are
aluminium in Suriname the existing hydro demanding more power. The following graph
electrical power lake and station of 189MW shows the fast growth in the EPAR power
system for the period 1966-2009. The fast

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growth is experienced in the Paramaribo Supply of Electricity, Short & Medium
(EPAR) and Brokopondo grid, while the Term
Nickerie grid (ENICK) is growing with 6 % per
year. The supply of electricity is generated by
premium diesel with diesel driven generators
Peak Demand (MW) trend for the EPAR system and nowadays a substantial part is fuelled with
160
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO). The majority of
140
electricity is delivered by hydro power from the
120
HPP Afobaka. Since 1999 the contribution of
100
hydro power to the grid is at least 700GWh,
MW

80
and in extra raining seasons this amount is
60
40 increased with 15-20% contractually. Suriname
20 is a fortunate CARILEC utility member that is
- blessed with many rivers and plenty of fresh
water. Due to this gift the country is covering
Year
more than 80 % of her electricity demand with
Fig. 2: Peak demand trend for the EPAR system [5]
a renewable energy source (see figure 4).

In the period of 1982 to 2006 load-shedding
became an inevitable practice due to frequent
shortage of supply in the EPAR grid. This
created inconvenience for business, industry
and households. Since 2006 the load-shedding
has stopped as a consequence of the
rehabilitation and expansion of the power plant
of EBS, the commissioning of the 161kV
transmission infrastructures from Paranam to
The electric power supply in Suriname is
Paramaribo and the erection of a new IPP
(SPCS). In order to look at future demand delivered by approximately 80% from hydro
growth historical analysis are used. Based on power
an analysis of trends in customer numbers and Fig.4: The Brokopondo Hydro Power Plant (HPP) of
average consumption, the demand projections Suralco in the district Brokopondo
for the EBS system as a whole can be derived.
In 2006 there were some extra dry months in
This has resulted in an annual growth rate of
Suriname. The Brokopondo hydro lake could
6.5% for the Base Scenario. For the Low, Base
therefore not acquire enough water from the
and High Scenarios, the growth rates are
streams that resulted in serious shortage of
respectively 2.7 %, 6.4 % and 10.0 % [1].
power. The government had to lease about
30MW of rental power from a foreign
contractor for 3 months to cope with this
inferior situation. It should be noted that since
August 2009 till April 2010 a long dry season is
afflicting Suriname and the hydro lake is
slinking rapidly. Since August 2009 extra
thermal power of average 60 MW is generated
in the thermal power station of EBS and
backed up by SPCS. Although hydro power is
cheaper and a renewable source, it should be
kept in mind that dry years can come
Fig. 3: Peak demand projection in the EPAR system for 3
scenarios [1], [5]
unexpectedly so the utility should always have
reserve thermal capacity installed to meet the

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power demand for the less wet years. In the capacity was installed and are operated. This
table 1 the installed capacity, peak demand was a cost, time saving and efficient action in
and consumption for 2009 are listed. short time to increase generation capacity.

Location Inst. Cap. Peak Consumption In ENIC system 15.6MW is installed, while in
2009 (MW) demand (GWh) the EPAR system 43.2MW has been installed
2009
(MW)
by EBS. Three years ago the State Oil
Company (IPP) has installed 14MW and is now
EPAR 73 170 1000 expanding with an additional 14 MW of
generation capacity.
ENICK 16 10 50

District 18 4 31 High Voltage Transmission Line &
Substation (161 kV)
Others 303 80 650
In 2004 the EBS signed a contract with L & T
Table 1: Main characteristics of different power systems in
(Larsen & Toubro) from India to build 2
Suriname [5]
substations and a 27 km double circuit 161 kV
Developments in the past 7 years transmission line of 150 MW capacity to
Conversion from Diesel to Heavy Fuel Oil increase the transport of hydro energy from
(HFO) Paranam to Paramaribo, reducing transmission
losses with 8% over this route, and increasing
In 2004 the costs of generating power with reliability and flexibility for the overall EPAR
LFO premium diesel were rising rapidly. EBS grid.
first performed a research with a consultant
from Denmark followed by a Caribbean
consultant and an engine manufacturer to
convert 4 Mirrlees Blackstone diesel operated
engines to HFO fuelled engines. The savings
would pay back the new conversion cost in
less than 2 years. Together with the fuel
conversion, and additional fuel treatment units
the whole EBS power plant was automated
with a state-of-the art monitoring system, the
Power Data System. This system is helping the
plant operators and engineers to manage
engine performance better and operate the
Fig. 5: The 161 kV Switchyard of EBS at Meckendam [2]
engines more reliably, with less damage
especially to cylinder heads. This system also Expansion of 36 kV network, EVP
provides automatic reports and historical data projects
is stored which in turn helps the engineers to
make better maintenance planning on wearing The driving forces for system modernization in
and tearing of parts. Asset information and Suriname are load growth, equipments no
related data can be retrieved after a failure to longer compatible with the changing
discuss and analyse causes of the failure. requirements (short circuit capabilities), ageing
of the system and technological developments.
Expansion of the Generation Capacity In this context EBS has upgraded, expanded,
retrofitted and installed a number of 36kV
EBS has decided to retrofit bigger and more
substations & cable network throughout the
efficient diesel generator sets in its power
EPAR system. The old and aged installations
plants. Foundations on piles that were more
date from 1964 and up, with air insulated bus-
than 40 years old were partly excavated and
bars and oil insulated circuit breakers.
new concrete was casted and engines of triple

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EBS has upgraded and retrofitted substations region. See figure 6 for a snapshot of the new
of 36kV, build 3 new substations of 36/6kV EBS Reliability tool.
and 4 new substations of 36/12kV with some
step-down transformers of 20 and 25MVA.
Distribution outgoing feeders and more than
100 Ring Main Units (RMU) are installed in
order to connect new customers and improve
voltage profiles throughout the system.
Furthermore, hundreds of km of 15kV
underground cables are lay-down and new
distribution transformers of 12/6kV &
220/127V were installed. This has increased
the capability and flexibility for EBS to deliver
the demand in power in the dense populated
city and in the less dense populated outskirts
of EPAR system. More than 4000 new electric Fig. 6: Snapshot overview of the EBS Reliability Tool [5]
connections are made each year.
EBS Dispatch Centre
Subsequently 50% of the substations of the
EPAR power system are automated for control EBS has performed a technical study with a
and command purpose with SCADA consultant to design a dispatch centre for the
applications. This substation automation is complete EPAR power system, the IPP’s and
helping the engineers in the command centre eventually for other districts. In 2011 this new
to control, take decisions and operate the dispatch centre with the latest SCADA
system much better and faster. Disturbances monitoring and control application of 25
are detected sooner and where possible substations and 5 generation station should be
switching of circuit breakers is operated into operation. Together with this
remotely. This practice is contributing to modernization of the control and monitoring
reduce the duration of failures and improve the applications additional new networks, radio
availability of power. Substations are far from and fiber-optic communication links will be
each other and most of the customers are installed. EBS aims to have complete control
living in less dense populated areas. With the and command performed from the dispatch
application of SCADA restoration time is centre which should be equipped with future
reduced, while disturbances are dealt with SCADA capabilities at the control centre level.
efficiently. Furthermore this should be consolidated into a
single centralized location. The main goal is to
The EBS Reliability Tool coordinate with all IPP’s and to monitor the
transmission and distribution for control of
EBS has recently developed a reliability frequency, reserve spinning, voltage profiles,
program with a consultant to measure its power flows and outage handling.
reliability performances and is part of the
reliability improvement program. This new Improve Transmission System Protection
outage reporting program has been delivered
in 2009. Starting 2010 this tool will be used In the period 2009-2010 a comprehensive
and as a result EBS will be able to follow the analysis of the transmission system protection
trend analysis of the SAIDI, CAIDI and SAIFI (161kV and 33kV) is performed [5]. All relays
reliability indices. As a consequence EBS can will have to function more coordinated and
start strategic reliability improvement adequately. Older type relays that do not meet
programs. At the same time EBS will have the the requirement of the new calculations and
possibility to compare reliability statistics and coordination must be replaced. This study will
to benchmark against other utilities in the be beneficial for EBS in order to improve the

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reliability of the system. At the same time EBS the EBS wants to go for fast load-shedding
will learn and understand what changes need based on frequency decay [5]. Added to this
to be anticipated and implemented, given the study, a similar approach with the ETAP
rapid growth of electrical load in the power software will be conducted for a voltage
system. stability analysis. A P-V analysis will be
performed to determine the maximum load
Improve Dynamic & Voltage stability in that could be supported for a given network
EPAR grid configuration without voltage collapse. This
result will provide important information from
Because of some recent large disturbances and
an operational and planning perspective.
the fluctuations in the lake levels at the
Afobaka Hydro Power Plant EBS became more Expanding the 161 kV Transmission
aware of the importance of ensuring the System
stability of the system during critical
contingencies in the system. Consequently, Currently a technical study is being performed
EBS is performing a system wide stability study for the delivery and construction of a double
together with a consultant for the prediction circuit 161kV transmission line of 10km and 2
and improvements of frequency load-shedding substations. The purpose of this project is to
settings. These studies and analysis are further lower the transmission system losses
performed using the ETAP engineering analysis and to increase the transportation capacity of
software to create models and simulations. the EPAR system to meet the demand in the
With the implementation of the new SCADA Western part of EPAR.

Way Forward…
EBS is constantly planning and implementing projects in
order to improve and create supply and transportation Electricity issues in developing countries
capacity to meet Suriname’s economic growth requirements (IEEE)

and at the same time fulfilling the need for security of Electricity issues and challenges in developing
supply. Many challenges are still to be accepted and dealt countries are numerous. They consist of, however
with, but EBS is motivated and has dedicated personnel and are not limited to:

engineers to meet these future challenges. EBS closely works  Inaccessibility of electricity (as well as low
with high ranked consultancy companies and experienced in- quality of supply
house knowledge to advice on their projects. This will ensure  Environmental as well as technological issues
 Shortage of capital and need for large capital
that investments made by EBS to secure energy, are
investments
economically justified.  Institutional weaknesses and pricing difficulties

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Future Expansions Potential in Suriname
Summary of Some Business Opportunities

New 200 MW Electric Power Plant

To meet the demand that is at a rate of 10 % per year and to replace outdated generators EBS has
identified a new location in South-West of Paramaribo to build a new generation station.
Environmental, geo-structural, technical requirements and financial studies are performed. A 200 MW
station with reciprocating engines of 20 -25 MW will be installed. The first stage is to have 60 MW in 2
years connected to the grid. And in following years more gen-sets and electrical installations will be
installed. In order to keep up with the high growth rate which EBS is witnessing the last couple of
years and expecting in coming couple of years , this projected 200MW electric power plant is
necessary on a short time bases to prevent an energy crisis in Suriname.

Fig. 7: Artist impression of the proposed
power plant of EBS [5]

A substation with step-up transformers, 12 kV and 36 kV switchgear and complete control and
protection system will be installed. Later, in the stages to follow, also 161 kV installations and
transmission facilities will be needed for connection with the remaining part of the grid.

International Interconnection between Suriname en French-Guiana, EDB-bank

During 1998-1999 the EBS and EDF1 of French Guiana had intensified technical relations on
cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two electrical power companies. From this relation,
a plan had been developed to perform an Interconnection Study for the Suriname/French-Guiana
power system. This was performed in the period 2005-2006. If at least 30MW of power, preferably
hydro power, would be reserved from Suriname to be delivered to French-Guiana, this interconnection
and related investment costs would become feasible. There would be additional technical, reliability
and availability benefits arising from this interconnection. EBS and EDF would need less installed and
operated spinning reserves if interconnected. With the converter system a very precise VAR control
(reactive power compensation) and voltage regulation can be performed. In time of calamity on one
side, the neighboring side can deliver power from its reserves through the tie-lines and vice versa.

Technical provisions to be built in this project are:

1
Électricité de France

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A 150 km of 161 kV transmission line from Paramaribo to Albina, a converter station 60/50 Hz at the
border and a 90 kV link to the French Guyana power system, 2 river crossing of the Suriname river
and the Marowijne river with submarine cables, Substations and power connections in Moengo and
Albina in the Marowijne district, complete control system. The costs are about 30 million USD for
Suriname and 22 million USD for the French Guyana.

SURINAME

FRENCH-GUIANA

Fig. 8: Sketch of the characteristics of Suriname/Fr-Guyana interconnection [5]

Rice Husk Power Plant in District Nickerie

This district is the Western border of Suriname with Guyana. The capital of Nickerie is Nieuw Nickerie
(Suriname’s second city). Nickerie is an agriculture district. This district is the main provider of rice for
the domestic market as well for the export. Other important sources of income are bananas, timber
exploitation and fishing. About 90% of rice cultivation of Suriname is in the district Nickerie. Currently
approximately 160.000 tons of rice is harvested annually; this number can grow in the near future due
to expansion in rice production because of higher demand and better world-market prices. This will
result in about 50.000 tons rice-husk (the hard protecting coverings of grains of rice) is produced
annually; this rice husk is presently considered as waste and being dumped in the rivers or burned in
open air. This is going on for the past 50 – 70 years and immensely burdens the environment and
surrounding population. Typical problems are air pollution, health problems, river pollution resulting in
dying out of fish and methane gas (CH4) formation released to the environment. Methane is a potent
greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential. Generating power from this waste product,
abundantly available now, and of which availability might increase in the near future, can become a
long term sustainable source. While oil prices keep rising and to mitigate the severe environmental
problems, EBS wants to built a power plant using the rice husk biomass to fuel the production of
electricity [4], [7]. This plant would be best located at the former sugar cane plantation Waterloo in
the center of Nickerie. This location fits technically in transporting rice husk to the plant.

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Fig. 9: Burning of rice husk in the open air in
district Nickerie [7]

The cost to set-up this power plant is about 16 million USD and will take 2 years of installation and
commissioning time. The cost of the power can be around USD 0.10 while the payback time can be
more than 10 years. But from environmental perspective this project is considered very feasible.

The project consists of [1], [4], [7]:

 Detailed engineering, procurement of materials and equipment and project management for
a 4 MWe / 12 kV generator and 6 MVA transformer 12/36 kV Power Generation
Plant/Substation running on rice husk and producing approximately 45 GWh/a
 Installation of synchronizing equipment to operate this power plant in parallel with the
excising ENIC power plant at Clarapolder.
 The necessary power lines to connect the Rice husk Power plant to the ENIC grid.

The Nickerie River

Fig. 10: Schematic overview of the
projected location of the Rice Husk
power plant and infrastructures [7]

The Jai-Tapanahony Hydro Diversion plan

The Jai-Tapanahony is a multifaceted project of which the main intention is to develop extra hydro
power capacity. This plan is envisaged in the South-Eastern part of Suriname and comprises a group
of dams and hydro power plants which diverts part of the waters of Tapanahony River and Jai Creek

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into the existing Afobaka Hydro Lake and generates
energy by this procedure and increases the capacity
in the Afobaka Hydro Power Plant. Diversion
systems and Dams will be constructed; generators
in the dams and transmission lines will be erected
and connected to the Afobaka HPP to transport the
power to the Paramaribo grid [1], [3]. All weather
roads will be constructed to connect the Jai-
Tapanahony expansion project. Together with the
HPP at the Tapanahony dam, 4 HPP at the other
locations, Jai 1, Marowijne 1, 2, 3 will have a
capacity of 305 MW (see figure 11). At Afobaka a
second HPP will be constructed with a capacity of
116 MW thus increasing the installed capacity at
Afobaka HPP to 305 MW. In rain season the 5 Jai-
Tapanahony-Marowijne Creeks HPP’s will produce
305 MW of power, and the water will be collected in
the Afobaka reservoir. In the dry season there will
be no diversion of water from Jai-Tapanahony and
the lake levels will be high enough for the 2
Afobaka HPP’s to produce 189 MW + 116 MW =
305 MW [1]. The cost of these projects is about 800
million USD. The cost of electricity around USD 0.09
will be less than power produced from thermal
generation. The construction time can be 6 to 8
years [1], [3]. This project illustrates the immense
potential for developing hydro power even further in
Suriname. If realized, this project will secure
Suriname of sustainable energy for many years. As
stated by [11] this project should shift from a desk
study performed by a Brazilian Engineering
Company (Camargo Correa) to feasibility studies in
short notice.

Fig. 11: Schematic overview of projected dams of the Jai-Tapanahony diversion plan [3]

The Kabalebo Hydro Power Project (West inundation of land, high initial costs and health
Suriname Hydro Power Project) and risk issues associated with water misuse
and degradation.
Since 1977 this Hydro Power Project in the
Kabalebo River (West of Suriname) is The Grankriki HPP
envisaged. The projected capacity will be 350
MW to 850 MW [1]. In the first stage a dam This project is located approximately 180 km
and a 350 MW HPP are planned in the South-East of Paramaribo. Grankriki flows into
Kabalebo River. In the second stage diversion the Marowijne River. A reservoir of 20.000 ha
of water of the Lucy River and the Corantijn should deliver 15 MW of power. A 66 kV
River and a dam with HPP at Tijgervallen will transmission line with substations are
extend the power production to 850 MW. projected. The capital costs are USD 75
There is a bright future for renewable power million.
capacity in Suriname, however has to be
weighed against other factors as well e.g. the

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Domestic Waste Power Plant in district waterfalls far in the interiors is very costly and
Wanica time consuming [1], [5].

In Paramaribo and the surrounding districts In the past some villages (Kwamalasumutu)
there is a lot of domestic waste that is dumped were supplied with solar power but did not last
at a central location. The Ministry of Public for long time due to poor maintenance.
Works and the environmental agencies has
looked into this waste and its potential for In the future further application of solar power
recycling. There are studies that showed the to meet the demands for delivery of electrical
potential to generate electric power from gas power should be a priority for environmental
generated of the waste. The capacity is about and economic reason.
10 MW. This is bio-waste energy and is
The places where villages are near waterfalls
considered a renewable form of power
the government should install micro and mini
production. This project can start very fast,
HPP. Besides lighting this power can be
because the technology is already available
applied for small scale industrial developments
and mature.
and refrigeration of meat and agricultural
Transmission & Distribution Expansions products. The existing diesel gen-sets can be
used as back-up system together with the
In the EPAR, ENIC and Rural Areas solar power systems in the form of a hybrid
transmission and distribution infrastructure, connected system. Small wood fired steam
substations, transformers, lighting and generator sets can also be an alternative for
metering will be purchased and installed in the the power production for the villages in the
years to come. These investments, that are interior, since wood is abundantly available
necessary, will be implemented to meet the and the villagers can collect this by
power demand in the rapidly growing themselves.
community and to ensure the reliability of
supply to the customer. It is a yearly Application of power efficient apparatus
investment of more than 15 million USD. and lighting

Rural Electrification Efficiency is a simple concept which can
perhaps best be summed up with the formula,
In the interior of Suriname there are about 112 “doing more with less.” The focus is to comply
villages that have a diesel generator unit with the international commitment to reduce
varying from 10 to 500 kW. Most of the power usage in future and to reduce CO2
villages are provided with diesel / gasoline fuel footprint. All customers will have to switch
on monthly bases. There is no tariff regime in over to the energy efficient lights that are
place and supply to the communities comes developing rapidly nowadays. Energy saving
free of charge. The total operating cost for apparatus and soft starting motor will have to
DEV is estimated to be around 4 million USD be applied in every building and houses.
per year. The cost per kWh comes to about Scientists has shown that in 2020 – 2030
USD 0.70. It is the policy of the government to power consumption per households will be
continue delivering this kind of supply to the halved when energy efficient apparatus in
isolated people, Marrons and American combination with energy efficient lamps will be
Indians. It is for their social welfare and applied, and when households will use solar
benefit to give power a few hours of the night panels and small wind mills to generate power
and where possible longer. The power can be and deliver to the grid. And by using
necessary for medical use, communication, appropriate enabling technologies to link the
lighting and conservation of food. above mentioned to the grid their potential can
Transportation of fuel across the rivers with be fully realized. This is where the application
of intelligent (smart) technologies comes in[6].

12

Utilities will be able to control and handle this in the last 3 years and expected to progress
development with the Smart grid applications with this pace, which is the highest compared
to come [6], [8]. Starting with simple energy to several other Caribbean countries. The
efficient apparatus is where EBS wants to start coming year’s developments in the power
the journey towards an intelligent sustainable sector of Suriname will be promising and
energy system in the end. Organizational, inevitable. Proven identified projects like Jai-
regulatory and policy issues are the biggest Tapanahony HPP, Nickerie Rice Husk Power
hurdles to overcome in this topic before Plant, Bruynzeel Diesel/HFO Generating Plant,
Suriname can make progress in this area of Domestic waste power plant, introduction of
interest. photovoltaic energy for remote villages and
installation of Mini and Micro HPP are business
Indeed, the term “efficiency” is typically opportunities. The installation of the dispatch
associated with how energy is consumed at centre, installation of SCADA applications,
the point of end use, but the concept of transmission and distribution infrastructure are
efficiency can also be applied to how energy is projects that will have to be realized and
produced and distributed [9]. Using higher create promising opportunities for doing
voltages in T&D, the application of high business in Suriname.
efficient distribution transformers and
advances monitoring and control system EBS Acknowledgments
will be able to reduce network losses. This
contributes to CO2 reduction of the power grid. The authors would like to acknowledge Ir L.
Boksteen, Dr.ir. V.S. Ajodhia and all
Greater energy efficiency in the T&D system
departments and related engineers of EBS and
means lower emissions in generation to deliver Staatsolie for their contribution and helpful
the same amount of consumed energy. advice, which have been useful in writing this
technical article.
Concluding Remarks
Biography
For Caribbean countries it is an important
condition for their economic development to Samuel Mehairjan, was born in Nickerie Suriname
on 4 August 1956. He
assure a secure and reliable supply of
received a BSc in Electrical
electricity. EBS is fully aware of the important Power Engineering in
role that the electric power sector plays for the Suriname. In 1991 he
development for Suriname. As utility member received his MSc degree from
Tennessee Technological
of CARILEC, EBS has better chances to benefit University (TTU) USA in
from the important changes Caribbean power Power Engineering. Until now
sectors are witnessing. This first contribution he is for 29 years with the
has shared knowledge and experience of EBS and is currently Director
for Generation and
proven and practical solution in the Suriname Transmission. He has a clear view for the needs of
electrical sector. Added to this it highlights the the people and solutions for the fast development of
developments that the Suriname power sector the Power Industry in Suriname. At present he is
also a lecturer in High Voltage Engineering at the
has undergone, and additionally gives a
University of Suriname. He has been a member of
glimpse of expansions potentials. EBS is IEEE for many years.
continually planning and implementing projects
in order to improve and create supply and Ravish P.Y. Mehairjan, was born in Paramaribo,
Suriname, on April 11,
transportation capacity to meet Suriname’s 1987. He graduated Cum
economic growth requirements and at the Laude as BSc in Electrical
same time fulfilling the need for security of Power Engineering at the
Anton de Kom University
supply. The Suriname community has suffered
of Suriname in July 2008,
from 1985 to 2006 with loadshedding due to where he conducted a
shortage in generating capacity. The growth study for EBS. In this
rate in demand for power is high (8 to 10 %) study he looked at

13

alternative methods to reduce the impact of long-
lasting outages in the West part of the Paramaribo
power system. At present Ravish is working towards Abbreviations
an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering with
specialization in High Voltage Technology & Asset EBS – Energy Companies of Suriname (Energie Bedrijven
Management at the Delft University of Technology Suriname)
in the Netherlands. Ravish is member of the Energy SPCS – Staatsolie Power Company Suriname
Club of Delft University of Technology, which is a CARILEC – The Caribbean Electric Utility Service
student-led club of academia and industry. Corporation
Caricom – Caribbean Community
T&D – Transmission & Distribution
References GWh – Gigawatt Hour
MW – Megawatt
[1] Preliminary Assessment Report, SURINAME POWER kW – Kilowatt
SECTOR ASSESSMENT AND ALTERNATIVES FOR ITS
MODERNIZATION (ATN/SF-9038-SU), KEMA May 2008. kV – Kilovolt
HFO – Heavy Fuel Oil
[2] B Sc graduation report, “Find an alternative method to HPP – Hydro Power Plant
reduce the impact of long lasting outages on the 33/12 IPP - Independent Power Producers
kV distribution transformers of substation S/S-D and
S/S-K in the Western part of the EPAR network”, Ravish
RMU – Ring Main Unit
P.Y. Mehairjan, July 2008. SCADA – Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
SAIDI – System Average Interruption Duration Index
[3] Presentation of Suralco L.L.C of the Jai-Tapanahony SAIFI – System Average Interruption Frequency Index
Hydro Diversion Plan by Mr Pederson 2004-2005. CAIDI – Customer Average Interruption Duration Index
EDF - Électricité de France
[4] Study and presentation on Rice Husk PP by R. Gandhi
United Engineering Calcutta, India.

[5] Technical year reports and documents of NV EBS

[6] Lecture manuscript on Sustainable Power Engineering
by Prof Ferreira, Delft University of Technology.
Appendix
[7] Presentations on Rice Husk PP Nickerie and Power
Demand and Supply for the Future, Jan 2010 by S. Additional information which could be relevant
Mehairjan.
to the reader is included by the authors under
[8] Smart Grid, the Key Driver for a Sustainable Energy the notion Appendix. Typical information
Future, Carilec Industrial Journal July 2009, by Ravish
P.Y. Mehairjan & Evita N. Parabirsing.
included in this section is additional
information on EBS, customer growth rates
[9] Energy Efficiency in the Power Grid, 2007 ABB Inc. and type of customers, typical growth rates of
Caribbean countries in the region.
[10] Caribbean Regional Electricity Generation,
Interconnection, and Fuel Supply Strategy, Interim
Report, Nexant & World Bank, Jan 2010. EBS facts:
[11] Interview with Ir. Lothar Boksteen, Engineer developing Employees 943
options for hydro power potential in Suriname, Feb
2010.
Turnovers 274 million SRD
[12] Elektriciteit: Vraag, Aanbod en Toekomstvooruitzichten,
Business Seminar, Feb 2010 (in Dutch) by Samuel Properties 649 million SRD
Mehairjan
Investments 182 million SRD

Power Sales 927 GWh (EPAR)

Peak Power 175 – 180 MW

Appendix Table 2: Facts & Figures of EBS [12]

14

Appendix Table 2: Net Peak Demand Load Forecast (MW) [10]

Appendix Figure 1: Different categories of customers and the related growth rates in the EBS system [1]

15

900
Electricity resources 2000-2007
800
GWh (Electricity into the System)

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

-
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year
Suralco (Hydro Power) EBS (Conventional) Staatsolie (Conventional)

Appendix Figure 2: Electricity resources in Suriname for the period 2000-2007 including the major resource categories [1], [5]

3,000 Electricity Consumption (GWh) for Suriname

2,500

2,000
GWh

1,500

1,000

500

-
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Total 1,29 1,35 1,43 1,72 1,79 1,94 2,01 2,09 2,17 2,25 2,34 2,44 2,54 2,65
Others - - - 210 210 210 210 210 210 210 210 210 210 210
Refinery - - - - - 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84
Iamgold 111 118 149 166 184 184 184 184 184 184 184 184 184 184
Suralco 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385 385
EBS 795 846 900 958 1,01 1,08 1,15 1,22 1,30 1,39 1,48 1,57 1,68 1,78

Appendix Figure 3: Electricity consumption in Suriname and predicted growth forecast [1], [5]

16

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Developments and Future Expansions Potential in the Electric Power System in Suriname

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