Pertti Ikonen. During a one-day seminar that was held in Marriot last Tuesday representatives from the business community and the government made it clear that they see opportunities in a collaboration with Finnish companies. Valerie Lalji, director of Energy at the Ministry of Natural Resources pointed out that the presentations on renewable energy were impressive.

“We are constantly looking for new technologies and ideas to deliver reliable and affordable energy especially to people in the hinterland,” said Lalji. One of the most interesting examples is a concept from the Finnish company Wärtsilä. This company is known in Suriname thanks to the generators that are being used by the Energy Company Suriname (EBS). The concept combines solar energy with existing machines and battery storage thereby creating a flexible and efficient energy mix.

“That combination of the sun, machines and a batterij back-up is something that we really want to take a closer look at,” said Lalji who announced that follow up talks will most likely take place next year and that the Energy Authority Suriname (EAS) will also attend these talks. Besides energy water management was also discussed. Lalji pointed out that the focus is currently on the water distribution network in the hinterland. Waste water management is not high on the agenda but is considered as an area with potential. Finnish companies such as Lamor have gained experience with water and environment projects and that this could be of interest to Suriname. The Honorary consul of Finland in Suriname, Warsha Sardjoe, labeled the visit successful. “We have brought companies in contact with each other and it looks like this will result in joint ventures,” said Sardjoe. “We have done our part. Now it is up to the companies to do the rest,” said Sardjoe. Ambassador Ikonen confirmed that the Surinamese government has shown its interest in the Finnish approach to energy mixture. Finland focuses on diversification when it comes to energy as it taps into wind energy, nuclear energy, hydropower and solar energy. “You cannot put all of your eggs in one basket,” said Ambassador Ikonen. Finland also invests in children with modern school buildings, meals at school and an environment which boosts the wellbeing of the students. “All these things are as impoyas the lessons,” said the ambassador. Suriname is therefore interested in Finland’s education sector. “This visit is just the beginning,” said the ambassador.