The delay in the modernisation of a turbine at the Afobaka hydroelectric power plant is temporarily resulting in less available electricity capacity in Groot-Paramaribo. During peak hours, Energie Bedrijven Suriname (EBS) can currently draw a maximum of 130 megawatts from the plant. Normally, this is approximately 160 megawatts.
Director Eddy Frankel of Staatsolie Power Company Suriname (SPCS) told Radio ABC that five of the six turbines at Afobaka are currently available. The sixth turbine is out of service due to modernisation work.
According to Frankel, Groot-Paramaribo is supplied with electricity from three locations: the hydroelectric power plant at Afobaka, the SPCS thermal power plant at Tout Lui Faut, and the EBS plant on Saramaccastraat. Afobaka is the main energy source.
Work delayed by two months
SPCS is working on replacing three of the six older turbines with more modern and efficient installations. Under the original schedule, work on the first turbine was to have been completed on 1 July.
Due to delays by the supplier, the project is running approximately two months behind schedule. SPCS expects the turbine to be put back into operation in the first week of October.
As long as only five turbines are available, the maximum supply from Afobaka during peak hours will remain limited to approximately 130 megawatts. That is 30 megawatts less than under normal circumstances.
Once the full modernisation programme has been completed, the total capacity of the hydroelectric power plant is to increase from 189 to 199 megawatts. EBS would then be able to draw approximately 170 megawatts from Afobaka during peak hours.
Tout Lui Faut supplies additional electricity
To partially compensate for the temporary reduction at Afobaka, SPCS has increased production at the thermal power plant at Tout Lui Faut. Under the contract, this plant supplies an average of 50 megawatts, but since 1 August, supply has been increased to 60 megawatts.
Frankel expects that a maximum of 70 megawatts can be supplied from Tout Lui Faut from the coming weekend. SPCS has also decided not to carry out any scheduled maintenance on the eight machines at the thermal power plant through November.
Sufficient water in reservoir
According to Frankel, the limited capacity is unrelated to the amount of water in the reservoir. The water level currently stands at 256.5 feet and, according to him, is sufficient to continue producing electricity for the rest of the year.
According to the SPCS director, the temporary capacity reduction is mainly caused by taking the turbine out of service for the modernisation work.
Plans to expand energy supply
SPCS is also working on projects to further expand energy capacity in the coming years. A battery storage system is expected to make approximately 6 megawatts of additional capacity available by the end of 2027.
In addition, research is being conducted into expanding the thermal power plant by 34 megawatts. This additional capacity could possibly be available from 2029.
There are also plans to build a 30-megawatt solar power plant in Saramacca. If the tender proceeds according to schedule, the installation could become operational in mid-2028.
The investments are linked, among other things, to the expected growth in electricity demand as a result of developments in Suriname’s oil and gas sector. According to Frankel, the GranMorgu project is on schedule and first oil production is expected in mid-2028.
