Costa Rica is making remarkable strides in its electricity sector, with more than 87% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. This achievement underscores the nation's commitment to sustainable and green energy. Hydropower is the dominant source, providing approximately two-thirds of the country's electricity, while geothermal energy contributes nearly 12%. Wind energy is also a significant part of Costa Rica's energy mix, amounting to almost 10%. Despite this impressive performance, the reliance on fossil fuels is still around 10%, a figure Costa Rica should aim to reduce further. Additionally, net imports are minimal, accounting for close to 2%. Moving forward, the challenge lies in further electrifying sectors like transport, heating, and industry, which will demand an even greater supply of clean electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Costa Rica?
However, the latest statistics reveal a slight decline in electricity consumption per person in Costa Rica. In 2024, the average consumption was 2,480 kWh per person, which marks a decrease from the record high of 2,516 kWh from 2021. This decline of 36 kWh per person is noteworthy. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation saw a decrease from 2,516 kWh per person in 2021 to 2,178 kWh in 2024, a drop of 338 kWh per person. This downturn signals a concerning trend, especially in the face of future demands for electricity from sector electrification and advancements in technology such as AI.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Costa Rica could consider expanding its exploration and use of solar and nuclear energy, both of which offer immense potential for sustainable growth. Solar energy, with its ability to complement hydropower during dry seasons, represents an abundant and underutilized resource. Meanwhile, nuclear energy, with its high capacity factor and reliability, offers the possibility of a stable and clean electricity supply. Tackling the challenges of climate change and energy security requires bold steps, and investing in these sources could enable Costa Rica to continue its leadership in clean energy while meeting growing electricity demands.
History
Historically, Costa Rica has demonstrated a steady commitment to developing its low-carbon electricity sources. In the early 1980s, hydropower began its ascent, marked by incremental increases such as 0.5 TWh in 1980 and 0.4 TWh in 1983. The 1990s saw the introduction and growth of geothermal energy, with a 0.5 TWh increase in 1992. The late 1990s and early 2000s experienced fluctuations in hydropower, including notable increases in 1997 and 1999. The 2010s continued this trend with hydropower growth and the introduction of wind energy in 2018. However, the recent decade has seen some setbacks, such as a decline of 0.9 TWh in hydropower in 2023. These challenges highlight the importance of diversifying and reinforcing the country’s low-carbon energy infrastructure to sustain its forward momentum.
