Already in October we were commenting that most of the electricity that consumes Costa Rica comes from renewable energy. This is really positive news that adds to global efforts to use more sustainable energy resources. Earlier this month, Uruguay It also stood out by achieving a significant percentage of electricity derived from clean sources. These countries are examples for the rest of the world, and especially for developing economies seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
Costa Rica's success in generating renewable energy
Costa Rica is a small country with approximately 5 million inhabitants. However, it has been able to achieve great success in generating renewable energyRecently, the country announced that for 285 consecutive days in 2015, its electricity was generated 100% from renewable sources. This feat has been recognized worldwide and has positioned Costa Rica as a benchmark in sustainability.
According to the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE), 99% of all electricity obtained in 2015 was from renewable sources. Only the remaining 1% came from fossil fuels, which is practically insignificant compared to the impressive performance of clean sources that include hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.
The main sources of energy in Costa Rica
Water is one of the key resources in Costa Rica's energy matrix. Nearly 100% of the 67% of electricity of the country's energy comes from hydroelectric plants, which have made it possible to take advantage of the territory's abundant water sources to generate energy in a clean and efficient manner. This approach has been a central part of the country's energy strategy since the mid-20th century.
In addition to water, wind energy has been gaining ground. In recent years, wind has accounted for approximately 1.5% of the total energy 12% of annual electricity generated in the country. Wind farms, such as Coopesantos in San José, have been crucial to ensuring a diversification of energy sources.
On the other hand, geothermal energy also plays an important role in energy production, providing another 13% of electricityThis type of energy is extracted mainly in the Guanacaste region, where the hot springs near the Rincón de la Vieja volcano offer a constant energy resource.
Biomass and solar energy complete the energy picture, although they represent a smaller percentage (less than 1% combined). However, the global trend to increase the use of these sources suggests that Costa Rica could explore their use further in the future.
The impact of climate change on the renewable matrix
Despite successes in clean energy generation, Costa Rica faces challenges due to climate change. The drought has severely affected some of the country's hydroelectric plants, forcing sporadic use of fossil fuels to meet demand. In years such as 2023, when rainfall has been lower than usual, the country has had to resort to importing thermal energy to avoid interruptions in supply.
This challenge underlines the importance of diversify the energy matrix and improve the capacity to respond to adverse weather events. Although hydroelectric power has been the backbone of energy generation, it is essential to continue expanding other sources such as wind and solar to cover shortfalls in dry years.
A decarbonized economy: Costa Rica's goal
The Costa Rican government has set an ambitious goal: decarbonize its economy by 2050This means not only generating electricity from renewable sources, but also drastically reducing emissions in other key sectors, such as transport and industry. Transport, in particular, is one of the biggest challenges, consuming around 35% of the country's fossil fuels.
To achieve this goal, Costa Rica is investing in the expansion of electric public transport and promoting the use of private electric vehicles. The adoption of clean technologies in these sectors will be crucial for the country to achieve its goal of being a world leader in sustainability and carbon neutrality.
The role of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE)
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) plays a crucial role in Costa Rica’s success in generating renewable energy. Since its creation in 1949, the institution has managed the majority of power generation plants and has overseen the expansion of clean energy throughout the country. It has also promoted innovative projects such as the construction of the Reventazón hydroelectric plant, one of the largest in the region.
Over the years, ICE has been committed to ensuring that electricity in the country remains at stable levels, with competitive rates, while facilitating the export of surpluses to the Regional Electricity Market (MER). This combination of internal stability and export opportunities has allowed Costa Rica to be an example of how renewable energy can sustain both economic growth and environmental preservation.
In short, Costa Rica has shown that it is possible to build an energy model that is virtually emission-free and sustainable in the long term. Although it faces challenges related to climate change and droughts, its commitment to diversifying energy sources is key to maintaining its global leadership in sustainability. The path to full decarbonization will not be easy, but the country has the necessary tools to continue moving in the right direction.