Costa rica energy storage policy

What is Costa Rica's energy policy?

Costa Rica’s energy policy aims to move from a fossil fuels based energy system towards renewable energy sources and to expand its power generation capacity, replacing old power generating stations and developing new projects.

Can Costa Rica achieve a fully decarbonised energy system?

This policy roadmap complements the study “100% Renewable Energy for Costa Rica – A decarbonisation roadmap” by the University of Technology Sydney – Institute for Sustainable Futures. It aims to provide policy pathways for Costa Rican to achieve a fully decarbonised energy system in Costa Rica.

What is the energy system like in Costa Rica?

Currently, the energy system in Costa Rica is heavily centralised, with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), the state-owned power and telecoms provider, by law being the only actor obligated to provide electricity to all sectors and parts of the country.

How will renewables affect Costa Rica's energy system?

Both renewable scenarios will result in a high proportion of variable power generation (PV and wind): 33%–31% by 2030 and 54%–66% by 2050. Such a varied mix of renewables will make Costa Rica’s energy system more resilient, eficient and afordable.

Does Costa Rica have 100% renewable electricity?

To date, Costa Rica is one of very few countries to run on 100% renewable electricity for the largest part of the year. In fact, 2018 was the fourth year in a row that Costa Rica generated more than 98% of its electricity from renewable sources (2015: 98.99%; 2016: 98.21%; 2017: 99.67%; 2018: 98.15).

Does Costa Rica have an electricity grid?

Only a few countries have developed an electricity grid powered mostly by renewable sources. Surprisingly, Costa Rica is one of them. For years, Costa Rica has relied on clean energy for up to 99% of its electricity, putting it in the league of innovative countries like Iceland, Norway and New Zealand.