In 2016, almost 99% of Costa Rica's electricity output came from renewable sources. This demonstrates the country's commitment towards a green, sustainable future. Costa Rica also has a large supply of wind and geothermal energy. In recent years, the country has moved to the forefront of renewable energy production, without having to rely on a large manufacturing infrastructure. The government is actively working towards carbon elimination.
Costa Rica's National Development Plan promotes technological progress and encourages knowledge, innovation, and competitiveness. It encourages action against global climate change. 66% of hydrocarbons in the transportation sector are used. It is expected that by 2050, the transport sector will be decarbonized completely. Producing renewable biofuels, and green hydrogen will help achieve this.
Despite the country's commitment to a green future, it is not always at the forefront of environmental protection. Costa Rica's Payments for Environmental Services (PES), a program that paid farmers extra income for unprofitable periods, was introduced in the 1990s. A net metering program was also implemented by the Institute of Energy of Costa Rica (ICE). This program promotes renewable energy. This program was intended to increase the country’s energy independence. ICE also maintains a generation park with a steady path of gradually lowering its fees.
The second workshop took place from 3-4 Oct and included a modeling exercise as well as capacity building training for Costa Rican civil societies organizations. This allowed us to identify policies that could be used to reduce poverty and promote rural economic growth. Numerous political priority areas were also identified. The workshop also discussed 100% RE scenarios.
The project was a collaboration between the World Future Council and Costa Rican civil society organization La Ruta del Clima. This initiative was developed to support Costa Rica in its quest to achieve decarbonization objectives. The project addressed the needs of both industry and government as well as civil society. It resulted in a comprehensive policy roadmap.
Costa Rica is blessed with abundant sources of geothermal power and high rainfall. The country's electricity grid receives 17% of its energy from wind and 13.5% from geothermal sources. The energy matrix, which is responsible for 80% country's greenhouse emissions, poses the biggest challenge to decarbonization. Costa Rica's system is resilient enough to adapt for future situations.
Costa Rica has committed itself to a 100% Renewable Energy Project in its decarbonization campaign. The Institute for Sustainable Futures of the Technological University of Sydney is leading the technical research for this project. The Institute provided assistance for Costa Rica to create a roadmap towards decarbonization. The roadmap provides a guideline for Costa Rica's journey towards decarbonization as well as a vision for an environmentally and socially sustainable future. This roadmap will assist Costa Rica in generating the well-being and economic growth necessary to sustain its population.
Costa Rica also has implemented many policy reforms in recent years. The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica approved Law 7200 in 1990. It is known as "Ley Authorizing Electricity Autonomous or Paralela." It regulates private-scale utility projects in Costa Rica.