The Ministry of Natural Resources is implementing the Just Energy Transition (JET) project in domestic villages, with the goal of bringing clean, affordable power to regions inhabited primarily by Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. Rather than immediately erecting plants, the project emphasizes developing "bankable" project proposals: complete dossiers ready for financing from international lenders. This creates a solid foundation for long-term energy security, economic development and strengthening climate resilience.
Led by energy director Valerie Lalji, a multidisciplinary team including UNDP representatives, regional commissioners and researchers toured 21 villages in Tapanahony, Upper Suriname, Saramacca, Upper Coppename, Nickerie and Western Suriname during June and July. The field missions not only mapped technical data, such as the number of households and the condition of indoor installations, but also included conversations with villagers about a future payment model, such as through prepaid energy cards. Consultant Suresh Kanhai of Energies and Economics Consulting emphasized that this approach ensures that each proposal can be submitted directly to potential funders, after which implementation can begin within one to three years.
One striking element is the explicit integration of gender perspectives. During local krutus in the Coppename area, women shared their expectations: a reliable power supply gives them room to expand handicrafts, fish sales and other small businesses. Gender specialist Yvonne Towikromo (Ministry of Interior) explained that training both remotely and locally empowers women and their families.
For Suriname, this transition means multiple benefits. First, the country is reducing its dependence on imported diesel, thereby releasing substantial budgetary savings. At the same time, new activity is created locally: with stable power, cooperatives and small-scale industries can grow, directly contributing to employment, income improvement and a more sustainable energy and environmental policy. In short, the JET project drives both regional development in the interior and national economic resilience.
