Costa Rica hits record electricity generation from 99% renewable sources

Las Pailas plant, Costa Rica

subscribe

COSTA RICA -

During the whole month of May 2019, Costa Rica generated a total of 984.19 gigawatt hours of electricity, the highest in the country’s history. What makes this feat even more impressive is the fact that 99.99% of this energy came from renewable sources – hydropower, wind, biomass, solar, and geothermal.

With such a high generation rate, the state power company Instituto Costariccense de Electricidad (ICE) were able to suspend energy imports from the first week of May and shifted to exports. To date, the power company continues to sell electricity to the Regional Electricity Market (REM) which generates revenues and is likely to reduce local electricity rates.

The record-breaking power generation was made possible by optimization of the country’s renewable sources. As the period coincided with the tail end of the dry season, the geothermal quota had to be increased.

Costa Rica remains a leader in renewable power generation. In 2015, more than 98% of the country’s electrical generation came from renewable sources. Through the years, this figure has remained fairly constant despite dry bouts caused by the El Niño phenomenon.

Related News

coal chute mountains

USA: 3 Ways Fossil Energy Ensures U.S. Energy Security

WASHINGTON - The global economy has just experienced a period of unique transformation because of COVID-19. The fact that remains constant in this new economic landscape is that our society relies on energy; it’s an integral part of our day-to-day lives. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 80 percent of energy consumption in the United States comes from fossil fuels, so having access to a secure and reliable supply of those energy resources is more important than ever. Below are three examples that highlight how our work at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy (FE)…

READ MORE
aps logo

APS asks customers to conserve energy after recent blackouts in California

READ MORE

Nuclear alert investigation won't be long and drawn out, minister says

READ MORE

power lines

Nearly $1 Trillion in Investments Estimated by 2030 as Power Sector Transitions to a More Decarbonized and Flexible System

READ MORE

germany prices

Electricity prices in Germany nearly doubled in a year

READ MORE