Electricity in Costa Rica in 2023/2024

Costa Rica has achieved an impressive milestone by generating more than 86% of its electricity from low-carbon sources. From September 2023 to August 2024, hydropower accounted for the majority, contributing around 64%, while geothermal energy added an additional 11%. Wind energy supplied roughly 10%, and imported electricity made up nearly 2%. On the other hand, fossil fuels accounted for just over 11% of the country’s electricity, demonstrating Costa Rica's commitment to clean energy. As the country aims to electrify various sectors, including transport, heating, and industry, the demand for electricity is expected to rise significantly.

Suggestions

To meet this increased demand while maintaining a low-carbon footprint, Costa Rica can focus on expanding its existing wind energy infrastructure, which already contributes a substantial portion of its electricity. The potential for wind energy in Costa Rica is high, given the favorable climatic conditions. Additionally, investing in solar and nuclear energy could provide a reliable and continuous supply of clean electricity. Nuclear energy, in particular, offers a steady and sustainable source of power that can complement the intermittent nature of wind and solar energy, thereby ensuring a diverse and resilient energy mix.

History

The journey towards low-carbon electricity in Costa Rica has been evolving over several decades. In the early 1980s, there were moderate increases in hydropower generation, with significant gains in the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as a 1 TWh increase in 1997. However, this period also saw fluctuations, with some years experiencing declines in hydroelectric power. In the last decade, Costa Rica embraced a more diversified approach, making notable strides in wind and geothermal energy. The year 2015 marked a substantial increase in hydro, but more recent years have seen a mix of increases and decreases in hydroelectric output. Notable spikes include a 1.3 TWh increase in 2015 and consistent additions from wind and geothermal in subsequent years. By focusing on expanding low-carbon electricity sources, Costa Rica can continue its leadership in sustainable energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources