Electricity in Costa Rica in 2023

As of 2023, Costa Rica's electricity consumption is predominantly low-carbon, with the country generating about 11.48 TWh of electricity from clean sources. Hydropower leads the way, contributing around 8.45 TWh, which is more than half of the total electricity generated. Wind energy adds approximately 1.47 TWh, while geothermal energy contributes about 1.32 TWh. These sources highlight Costa Rica's strong commitment to low-carbon power. When compared to the global average electricity consumption of 432 watts per person, Costa Rica's generation appears smaller in scale. Lower levels of electricity generation can impact economic growth and limit access to reliable power, affecting both domestic and industrial sectors.

Suggestions

To further expand its low-carbon electricity generation, Costa Rica can consider increasing its wind energy capacity, given its existing success in this area. Learning from countries like Brazil, which generates around 96 TWh from wind energy, Costa Rica could adopt policies that support wind farm expansions. Additionally, examining the strategies of countries with significant solar outputs, such as India (113 TWh) and Japan (97 TWh), can help Costa Rica enhance its solar energy infrastructure. Emulating the successful development of nuclear power seen in the United States (775 TWh) and France (336 TWh), Costa Rica should also consider investments in nuclear technology to provide a stable and substantial increase in its low-carbon electricity generation.

History

Looking at the history of low-carbon electricity in Costa Rica, incremental growth has been evident since the 1980s. Early increases in hydropower, such as a 0.5 TWh rise in 1980 and a 0.4 TWh boost in 1983, set the stage for further developments. The 1990s saw geothermal energy begin contributing, starting with a 0.5 TWh increase in 1992. Significant variances continued, with notable rises in hydro by 1 TWh in 1997 and 0.8 TWh in 1999, though occasional declines did occur. The 2000s and 2010s brought more consistent growth, such as a 1.3 TWh rise in hydro in 2015 and noticeable advancements in wind energy (0.5 TWh in 2018). Most recently, expansions in geothermal (a 0.5 TWh increase in 2019) and fluctuations in hydro highlight ongoing adjustments. Such trends underscore Costa Rica's dedication to enhancing its low-carbon electricity landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources