Does Costa Rica need a strong energy infrastructure?

As a smaller nation with a population of only 5 million and no major industry, the need for strong energy infrastructure is less than for larger countries of higher population density. While Costa Rica's largest source of energy is hydroelectricity, other sources include geothermal energy, biomass, solar power, and wind power.

Where does Costa Rica's energy come from?

Most of Costa Rica’s energy comes from renewable sources. More than 99 percent of the energy in Costa Rica was generated from renewable sources in 2019. According to the country’s National Center for Energy Control, Costa Rica has been running on more than 98 percent renewable energy since 2014.

How many kW can a power plant produce in Costa Rica?

The power generation plants in Costa Rica can jointly produce 3.5 million kW. This is the average composi-tion of the Costa Rican matrix: The Energy Matrix is the total percentage of all natural resources from which energy is derived and then transformed into electricity to supply households, business and industries.

Does Costa Rica rely on fossil fuels?

For years, Costa Rica has relied on diverse energy sources like hydroelectric power, wind, and geothermal energy. These resources have helped the country reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions significantly. However, challenges like reduced rainfall and climate change are testing this model.

How is Costa Rica transforming its energy portfolio?

Costa Rica is taking bold steps to diversify its energy portfolio. The country is integrating wind, solar, and geothermal solutions to strengthen its power grid. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on any single source and ensure long-term sustainability.

How much energy does Costa Rica use?

Renewable energy in Costa Rica supplied about 98.1% of the electrical energy output for the entire nation and imported 807000 MWh of electricity (covering 8% of its annual consumption needs) in 2016. Fossil fuel energy consumption (% of total energy) in Costa Rica was 49.48 as of 2014, with demand for oil increasing in recent years.