Roy Ramos Morales
In a world increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Costa Rica has become a true leader in the adoption of renewable energy and the implementation of sustainable policies. Through a combination of unique factors and a determined commitment, Costa Rica has made significant progress in achieving sustainable development goals around environmentally friendly energy.
Costa Rica’s energy vision has been fundamental to its success in the use of renewable sources. For decades, the country has developed an energy policy based on diversification and the promotion of clean sources. In 2007, the government set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2021, an ambitious goal that demonstrates its commitment to sustainability, but to be honest it was perhaps too ambitious and difficult to achieve.
One of Costa Rica’s greatest achievements has been its ability to generate electricity from renewable sources. The country has taken advantage, to a large extent, of its abundant water resources, with an extensive network of hydroelectric plants that account for approximately 80% of its energy production. In addition, Costa Rica has invested in wind and solar energy, taking advantage of its tropical climate and favorable geographic location for the development of these technologies.
In the field of solar energy, the country has favorable geographical and climatic conditions for the development of this type of energy, which is why some regulations have been generated to promote the installation of solar panels in homes and businesses. In addition, large-scale solar parks have been built, which contribute significantly to the generation of clean electricity.
In addition to its efforts in electricity generation, Costa Rica has also promoted initiatives to promote sustainable transportation. The country has invested in the expansion of its public transportation network, encouraging the use of electric buses and trains. It has also implemented incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, such as tax exemptions and the installation of charging stations.
Other areas for the production of clean energies are still incipient, such as the regulation of the production, transport, and use of hydrogen as an energy source, which could have a high impact on mass transportation of people, but where the issue is being discussed with increasing intensity.
In the area of energy purchases by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute from private generators, the institute recently published two calls for the purchase of a block of more than 100 megawatts of solar energy (between 2024 and 2025), and in the next few days will present the wind energy block of 40 megawatts for 2025, in which case only companies that already have eligibility will participate.
Costa Rica’s commitment to achieving sustainable development goals, an environment of legal security for local and foreign investment, and the country’s positioning as a world leader in environmental protection, creates a framework of enormous opportunities for private investment in clean energy generation.