First Online & Hybrid Masterclasses on PV Solar in Suriname

PUM and the Suriname Energy Chamber (“SEC”) successfully executed an Online & Hybrid Masterclass on PV Solar. During this Masterclass, over 50 participants, from small and medium-scale enterprises, PV-Solar installation businesses and  several university students, joined with an  energising enthusiasm and mindset mid-August. On September 13^th, Mr Orlando Olmberg, the Chairman of SEC and in the presence of officials from the Energy Authority of Suriname (“EAS”), the Anton de Kom University and the Ambassador of the USA, congratulated them personally with their Certificate.

After the Opening Session, at the Anton de Kom University, on August 16^th, the first Online Module on Energy Savings was presented on August 20^th by PUM-expert Kees de Glopper. His PUM-colleague Martijn Schootstra presented 3 Online sessions, which started with an assessment of PV Solar Systems. The following session focused on Batteries and how to optimise systems using panels, inverters and batteries. The (internet-based) PV-GIS application was used to benchmark on the performance, costs, and economics of such systems. Mr. Raymond Renfurm, a leading technician and engineer in PV Solar systems and their installation, provided a hands-on online presentation on local and international Electricity Standards and Regulations followed by an on-site visit to the PV Solar system installed at the Anton de Kom University. The Masterclass was concluded by PUM-Expert Ton Nijensteen with a module on the financing and “making solar systems bankable”.

Mr Orlando Olmberg underligned in his speech that: “The energy sector within Suriname’s economy still faces quite a number of challenges, which are well-known. Rather than “pointing fingers”, it is now crucial to develop and strengthen public-private partnerships and to keep working together to find good solutions with all stakeholders. Agencies like PUM are important as they can deliver e.g. Online Masterclasses but also advice on location.  The latter might be a next step in the collaboration between SEC and PUM and, more importantly, with our small and medium enterprises and communities who still have limited or no access to grid-based electricity”.

Mr. Winston Leckie, PUM representative in Suriname added: “It was a great pleasure for PUM’s team to partner with SEC during the preparation and implementation of this Online and Hybrid Masterclass. This Masterclass has also shown to the participants that PV Solar in the landscape of Suriname has a great potential, in particular for the small and medium scale businesses.