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Electricity in Costa Rica in 2024

2,280 kWh/person Low-Carbon Electricity
-236 #42
2,425 kWh/person Total Electricity
-91 #115
63 gCO2eq/kWh Carbon Intensity
+38 #16
94 % Low-Carbon Electricity
-6.0 #11

Costa Rica has made remarkable strides in embracing low-carbon electricity, with over 94% of its electricity generated from clean sources. This exceptional achievement is primarily fueled by hydropower, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the electricity. Geothermal energy contributes almost a sixth, while wind power supplies roughly a tenth of the total electricity. On the other hand, fossil fuel-driven electricity generation is less than 6%, reflecting Costa Rica's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, Costa Rica's role as a significant net exporter of electricity enables neighboring countries to decrease their emissions, accentuating its influence in the region's transition to greener energy. As the nation moves toward electrifying transport, heating, and industry, meeting the prospective rise in electricity demand with low-carbon sources remains crucial.

Is Electricity Growing in Costa Rica?

Looking at the current trends, Costa Rica's electricity consumption per person stands at 2425 kWh, which is a decrease compared to the 2021 record of 2516 kWh. This represents a reduction of 91 kWh per person. Notably, the generation from low-carbon sources has also declined to 2280 kWh per person from its previous peak in 2021, by 236 kWh per person. These declines, although modest, underscore the pressing need to sustain and boost growth in low-carbon electricity generation to not only keep pace with current consumption but also prepare for future increases as various sectors become more electrified.

Suggestions

To increase the generation of low-carbon electricity, Costa Rica can focus on expanding its wind energy installations, which already contribute significantly to the electricity mix. Wind technology can be scaled efficiently and suits Costa Rica's geographic and climatic attributes. Additionally, exploring other clean energy avenues such as nuclear can diversify the energy mix and further establish Costa Rica as a leader in sustainable electricity generation. Solar energy should also be considered for its vast potential and declining costs, especially in a country with favorable sunshine levels. These steps will not only strengthen the country's energy landscape but also ensure a sustainable and reliable electricity supply to fuel its growing demands in the future.

Overall Generation
Renewable & Nuclear

History

Electrification

We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources

For the years 1971 to 1981 the data source is World Bank .
For the years 1982 to 1988 the data sources are World Bank and IEA (imports/exports) .
For the year 1989 the data sources are EIA and IEA (imports/exports) .
For the years 1990 to 1999 the data source is IEA .
For the years 2000 to 2003 the data source is Ember .
For the year 2004 the data source is IEA .
For the years 2005 to 2010 the data source is Ember .
For the year 2011 the data source is IEA .
For the years 2012 to 2024 the data source is Ember .
For the months 2024-03 to 2025-02 the data source is Ember .
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