Eight years ago, we learned that Costa Rica was relying on renewable energy for 99% of its needs. This has positioned Costa Rica as one of the countries on the path to a clean and sustainable future. This achievement is a fundamental step toward leaving a better planet for future generations. Despite the progress, challenges remain, and international agreements are moving slowly.
Costa Rica, however, is not only a green paradise for tourists , but also a pioneer in renewable energy. For years, this small nation has generated 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources for various periods, sometimes operating for more than 300 days without fossil fuels.
121 days without fossil fuels
An important milestone for Costa Rica was managing to maintain 100% renewable electricity for 121 days in a row. This achievement is just one of many examples of the country’s commitment to clean energy sources. Costa Rica has almost reached its goal of generating all of its energy without using fossil fuels. In 2015, it had already achieved an impressive 99% for 285 days. The question is: How does this small Central American country do it?
The key to Costa Rica's success lies in its unique geography and climate. The country has a remarkable abundance of renewable sources, which has allowed it to rely heavily on them. The main source of energy in Costa Rica is hydroelectric power, which accounts for 75% of its energy production. However, the country also has significant resources of geothermal, wind, solar and biomass energy.
Renewable energy sources in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's success in using renewable energy depends on several factors. Below we review the main energy sources that have contributed to this milestone:
- Hydroelectricity: Hydroelectric power is the backbone of Costa Rica's energy system. With numerous rivers and favorable geography, the country has created a complex system of dams that harness these currents to generate electricity. The Reventazón dam is one of the largest in Central America, generating enough energy to supply hundreds of thousands of homes.
- Geothermal energy: Geothermal energy has been key to diversifying Costa Rica's energy matrix. The country exploits its volcanic resources to extract geothermal energy, which constitutes a stable and constant source throughout the year.
- Wind power: Thanks to strong winds in certain areas, wind power also plays an important role, generating around 10% of the country's electricity.
- Solar and biomass: Although less significant than the previous ones, these energy sources complement the Costa Rican energy system. Solar energy has gained ground in rural areas and biomass represents a sustainable alternative using agricultural waste.
Climate challenges: Drought as a challenge
Despite its achievements, Costa Rica has not been immune to the challenges inherent in using renewable energy sources. One of the most recent challenges has been the drought that affected the country in 2023, reducing its reliance on hydroelectric power. During periods of low rainfall, the country has had to temporarily resort to burning fossil fuels to meet energy demand.
The management of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), the entity in charge of energy management, has been key to mitigating the effects of the drought by diversifying energy sources.
Despite these difficulties, in 2022 Costa Rica reached 98% renewable energy in its matrix, and although in 2023 the figure fell slightly to 95% due to drought, it remains an example worldwide.
The role of public policy in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's success would not have been possible without decades of public policies supporting the development of clean energy. Since the creation of ICE in 1949, the country has steadily invested in hydroelectric, geothermal and, more recently, wind energy infrastructure.
The Costa Rican government has also promoted the country's decarbonization through different initiatives. In 2021, then-President Carlos Alvarado was invited to Germany to share his experiences with former Chancellor Angela Merkel on the decarbonization plan that Costa Rica was leading. This plan aims to achieve carbon neutrality in the coming years, an effort that includes not only electricity generation sources, but also transportation and industry.
Future projects and developments
Even with its recent difficulties, Costa Rica continues to lead in energy innovation. In the coming years, the country hopes to not only diversify its energy sources, but also consolidate its system. One of the most important projects underway is the expansion of wind and solar plants in order to reduce dependence on hydroelectric power, especially in drought years.
Community energy projects are also being developed, such as the successful case of Coopesantos, a cooperative that manages a wind farm in the south of San José, and which has guaranteed clean energy for more than 53,000 people. These types of projects not only provide clean energy, but also help stabilize electricity costs, which is crucial in a global context of rising costs.
Challenges and opportunities
However, not everything is positive. Climate change and the return of a fossil fuel exploitation model in some sectors of Costa Rican politics have posed challenges. The current president, Rodrigo Chaves, has proposed exploring the country's natural gas reserves, which would lead to a setback in the achievements made in renewable energy.
In a context of drought and decreased rainfall, it is also essential to continue diversifying the energy matrix, which involves increasing investment in solar, wind and biomass energy.
Costa Rica has been a pioneer in integrating clean energy into its energy matrix. Despite the challenges it faces in the future, its history of commitment to the environment shows that it is possible to achieve a transition to a more sustainable energy model that is less dependent on fossil fuels.