The project provides stable power to villages in Suriname.
Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, president of Suriname, delivered a speech at the completion, unveiling, and lighting ceremonies for Sites 3 (Kajana) and 9 (Guyaba) of the Suriname Villages Micro-grid Solar Project Phase II, constructed by POWERCHINA, on May 3, commending the project's significance in optimizing Suriname's energy structure and improving livelihoods in remote areas.
She stated that the official operation of the Kajana and Guyaba power stations marks an important milestone in the national "village-to-village electricity" strategy, providing solid support for Suriname's goals of energy accessibility and green development.
David Abiamofo, minister of natural resources, noted that POWERCHINA's project team completed the construction tasks to a high standard despite the harsh jungle conditions and weak infrastructure. He praised POWERCHINA's technical strength and execution capabilities and expressed a desire for deeper cooperation in the clean energy sector.
The Suriname Villages Micro-grid Solar Project Phase II uses an off-grid hybrid system that combines solar photovoltaics, energy storage, and diesel generation to create a comprehensive energy solution featuring multi-equipment coupling, fully automated linkage, and high-precision control.
The project comprises nine sites along the Suriname and Marowijne Rivers in Saramacca Province. With the commissioning of Sites 3 and 9, a total of seven sites have been completed and handed over.
The project benefits 45 forest villages along the rivers and has a total installed capacity of 5.349 MW, with 18.6 MWh of energy storage and a diesel power generation capacity of 2.813 MVA.
Approximately 100 kilometers of medium- and low-voltage distribution networks have been constructed. Once fully completed and operational, the estimated annual power generation is expected to reach 8,780 MWh.
The project has provided stable, 24-hour power to primitive villages along the Suriname River, improving residents' living conditions.
As a "small yet beautiful" flagship project of pragmatic cooperation between China and Suriname, it demonstrates how targeted investment can establish profound social benefits and stands as a vivid example of the Belt and Road Initiative taking root in the Caribbean, bringing warmth to communities. POWERCHINA remains committed to contributing to Suriname's sustainable development.
