POWERCHINA Completes And Unveils Kajana And Guyaba Micro-grid Solar Sites With Suriname’s President Highlighting Major Progress In Rural Electrification

Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, president of Suriname, delivered a speech during 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. Held on May 3, the event highlighted the project’s role in strengthening Suriname’s energy structure and improving the quality of life in remote communities.

In her address, President Geerlings-Simons emphasized that the official operation of the Kajana and Guyaba power stations represents a major step forward in the country’s “village-to-village electricity” strategy. She noted that these newly commissioned facilities will play an important role in expanding access to reliable electricity and supporting Suriname’s broader goals for green and inclusive development.

Suriname’s Minister of Natural Resources, David Abiamofo, also commended the progress achieved under challenging conditions. He pointed out that the POWERCHINA project team delivered high-quality results despite the difficult jungle terrain and limited infrastructure in the project areas. He praised the company’s technical expertise, strong execution capability, and dedication, expressing optimism about deepening cooperation with POWERCHINA in Suriname’s clean energy sector.

The Suriname Villages Micro-grid Solar Project Phase II utilizes an off-grid hybrid energy system that integrates solar photovoltaic generation, energy storage, and diesel power. This combination enables a comprehensive and flexible supply model, supported by automated coordination and precise control across multiple types of equipment.

The project consists of nine sites located along the Suriname and Marowijne Rivers in Saramacca Province. With Sites 3 and 9 now operational, a total of seven sites have been completed and handed over. Once all sites are fully operational, the project will support 45 forest villages across the region.The overall installation includes a total generation capacity of 5.349 MW paired with 18.6 MWh of energy storage, supplemented by 2.813 MVA of diesel generation capacity.

Around 100 kilometers of medium- and low-voltage distribution lines have been built to connect the communities. Annual electricity output is expected to reach approximately 8,780 MWh when the entire system is fully aligned and functioning.Already, the project is transforming daily life along the Suriname River, providing stable and continuous 24-hour electricity to remote villages that previously faced significant energy limitations.

Access to reliable power has created immediate improvements in living conditions and enabled new opportunities for economic and social development.As a compact yet impactful example of cooperation between China and Suriname, the project stands as a demonstration of how targeted investments can deliver substantial social value.

It also reflects the practical outcomes of the Belt and Road Initiative in the Caribbean, contributing meaningful improvements to local communities. POWERCHINA has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Suriname’s long-term sustainable development and expanding clean energy access across the country.