Paramaribo, Suriname — May 2026
The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), in partnership with the Government of Suriname, has officially commissioned the Kajana and Galibi Solar Power Plants, delivering reliable, 24-hour electricity to hinterland communities for the very first time.
Official opening ceremonies were held on May 3 in Kajana and May 7 in Galibi. The systems were formally switched on by Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of the Republic of Suriname, joined by the Hon. David Abiamofo, Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The US$ 11.8 m project was financed jointly by the Government of Suriname and the CDF. CDF’s investment of US$10.5m – a concessional loan of USD 10.01m and grant of USD 0.49m – represents one of the Fund’s most significant contributions to advancing sustainable energy access and climate resilience in vulnerable CARICOM communities.
The Galibi hybrid solar power system features 360 kWp of solar capacity, 1,000 kWh of battery storage, and a 150 kVA standby diesel generator. Approximately 160 households are now connected through roughly 3 km of high-voltage transmission lines and 9 km of low-voltage distribution network.
In Kajana, the project delivered a 330 kWp solar photovoltaic system, 900 kWh of battery storage, a 250 kVA standby diesel generator, and new 12 kV transmission lines designed for long-term reliability and resilience.
The project also invested in community awareness programmes, technical skills training, and establishing long-term monitoring frameworks. These measures will ensure system sustainability, empower local residents, particularly young people, and build the in-community capacity needed to operate and maintain the renewable energy systems for generations to come.
“The commissioning of the Kajana and Galibi Solar Power Plants demonstrates the transformative power of targeted development financing and regional partnership,” said Mr. Rodinald Soomer, Chief Executive Officer of the CARICOM Development Fund. He also added that “access to reliable electricity from renewable energy sources is fundamental to enhancing quality of life, healthcare, education, economic activity, and climate resilience. Through this investment, the CDF is helping ensure that hinterland communities are not left behind in the region’s sustainable development journey.”
Minister David Abiamofo praised the CDF’s unwavering commitment throughout implementation and highlighted the collaborative effort that made delivery possible. Describing the initiative as one that has literally “brought light” to Kajana and Galibi, he stressed the importance of extending sustainable development initiatives to remote and underserved communities across Suriname. The Minister also expressed optimism that this partnership would catalyse future collaboration on other critical priorities, including access to safe drinking water and essential social services.
The successful commissioning of the Kajana and Galibi Solar Power Plants marks a landmark moment in Suriname’s renewable energy transition and reaffirms the CDF’s commitment to promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across the Caribbean Community.
About the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) – The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) is established under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to provide financial and technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) geared towards reducing disparities within and across Member States. Through strategic investments and partnerships, CDF promotes social and economic cohesion in CARICOM, focusing on interventions that contribute to inclusive, sustainable and balanced development, helping member countries maximize the benefits of regional integration.
For more information, please contact:
CARICOM Development Fund
Email: info@caricomdf.org
Phone: +1 246-436-1849
