Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname NV is a Surinamese state-owned company that is responsible for the exploration, production, refining, and marketing of crude oil and petroleum products in Suriname. The company was established in 1980 and has since then played a significant role in the development of Suriname's oil and gas industry. However, in recent years, the company has shifted its focus towards the development of renewable energy projects, particularly in the biofuels and small hydro sectors.

Biofuels are a type of renewable energy that is derived from organic matter, such as crops, wood, and waste. Biofuels are considered to be a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels because they emit fewer greenhouse gases and are renewable. Staatsolie has recognized the potential of biofuels and has invested in the development of a biofuels industry in Suriname. The company has established a biofuels pilot project in the district of Commewijne, which is located on the eastern coast of Suriname.

The pilot project involves the cultivation of jatropha, a non-edible oilseed crop that can be used to produce biodiesel. The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of producing biodiesel from jatropha and to identify the most suitable varieties of jatropha for cultivation in Suriname. The project also involves the construction of a small-scale biodiesel production plant, which will process the jatropha seeds into biodiesel. The biodiesel produced by the plant will be used to power Staatsolie's vehicles and equipment.

Staatsolie has also partnered with the Suriname Agricultural Development Company (SADC) to establish a jatropha plantation in the district of Saramacca. The plantation covers an area of 200 hectares and is expected to produce around 200,000 liters of biodiesel per year. The plantation is managed by SADC, while Staatsolie provides technical assistance and support.

In addition to the biofuels sector, Staatsolie is also involved in the development of small hydro projects in Suriname. Small hydro refers to the generation of electricity from small-scale hydroelectric power plants. Small hydro is considered to be a more sustainable alternative to large-scale hydroelectric power plants because it has a smaller environmental impact and is more suitable for remote and rural areas.

Staatsolie has identified several potential sites for small hydro projects in Suriname, including the Tapanahony River and the Saramacca River. The company has conducted feasibility studies for these sites and is currently in the process of developing the necessary infrastructure for the projects.

The Tapanahony River project involves the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 1.5 megawatts (MW). The project will provide electricity to the villages of Langatabiki and Kawemhakan, which are located along the Tapanahony River. The project is expected to reduce the reliance of these villages on diesel generators, which are expensive and polluting.

The Saramacca River project involves the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 2.5 MW. The project will provide electricity to the town of Groningen, which is located on the banks of the Saramacca River. The project is expected to reduce the reliance of Groningen on fossil fuels and to provide a more reliable source of electricity.

Staatsolie has also partnered with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to develop a small hydro project in the district of Para. The project involves the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant with a capacity of 5 MW. The project will provide electricity to the town of Onverwacht, which is located on the banks of the Suriname River. The project is expected to reduce the reliance of Onverwacht on fossil fuels and to provide a more reliable source of electricity.

In conclusion, Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname NV is a Surinamese state-owned company that is committed to the development of renewable energy projects in Suriname. The company has recognized the potential of biofuels and small hydro and has invested in the development of these sectors. The company's biofuels pilot project and jatropha plantation demonstrate its commitment to the development of a biofuels industry in Suriname, while its small hydro projects aim to provide a more sustainable and reliable source of electricity to remote and rural areas. Staatsolie's efforts to develop renewable energy projects are a testament to its commitment to sustainable development and to the reduction of Suriname's reliance on fossil fuels.