Suriname drives solar push and leads regional ISA energy summit

Suriname’s Ministry of Natural Resources is promoting solar power as a key pillar of the country’s future energy mix, especially for remote interior villages. In a recent press release the ministry highlighted the need for maintenance, training and spare parts but omitted data on operational solar parks, electricity output, diesel savings, costs and battery lifespans, leaving the economic viability of the projects unclear.

On 30 July, Suriname’s natural‑resources minister David Abiamofo, serving as vice‑chair of the International Solar Alliance’s Latin America and Caribbean regional committee, chaired the eighth virtual ISA meeting. Together with Energy Director Valerie Lalji, he and other member‑state officials discussed accelerating solar deployment, improving financing access, strengthening regional cooperation, and building technical capacity. Participants noted the region’s strong renewable potential but also cited infrastructure gaps, limited financing and policy differences, with particular concern for Small Island Developing States that face high electricity costs and fossil‑fuel dependence.