Almost 99% of Costa Rica's electrical energy output in 2016 came from renewable sources, indicating the country's commitment to a green and sustainable future. In addition, Costa Rica boasts a vast supply of geothermal power and wind assets. The country has advanced to the forefront in renewable energy production without relying on a large manufacturing base. The government is actively working towards carbon reduction.
The National Development Plan of Costa Rica promotes technological innovation and encourages knowledge, research, and competition. It encourages action against global climate change. 66% is consumed by the transportation industry. The transport sector is expected to be completely decarbonized by 2050. Producing renewable biofuels, and green hydrogen will help achieve this.
Despite its commitment to a sustainable future, the country is not always on the forefront of protecting the environment. In the 1990s, Costa Rica introduced a Payments for Environmental Services (PES) program to help farmers earn extra income during times of unprofitable seasons. To promote renewable energy, the Institute of Energy (ICE), in addition to the above, has implemented a net metering programme. This program was meant to increase country's energy independence. ICE also maintains a generation park with a steady path of gradually lowering its fees.
The second workshop was held between 3-4 octobre. It included a modeling exercise, as well training in capacity building for Costa Rican civil rights organizations. This enabled us to identify policy solutions that would reduce rural poverty and strengthen rural economic growth. Also, several areas of policy priority were identified. In addition, the workshop discussed modeled 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 designed to help Costa Rica achieve its decarbonization targets. This project was inclusive of the needs and interests of government, industry, and civil society. It led to a comprehensive policy guide.
Costa Rica has a lot of rain and geothermal energy. The country's electric grid gets 17% from wind energy, and 13.5% of its electricity from geothermal resources. The main challenges in decarbonization are the energy matrix, which generates 80% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Costa Rica's system is resilient enough to adapt for future situations.
Costa Rica committed to a 100% Renewable Energy Project as part its decarbonization initiative. The Institute for Sustainable Futures (part of the Technological University of Sydney) is the technical lead for the project's technical analysis. The Institute has provided assistance to Costa Rica in developing a roadmap for 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. The roadmap will also aid Costa Rica in its efforts to increase the well-being for its people through economic and social development.
Costa Rica has made many policy improvements in recent years. The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica ratified Law 7200 (or "Ley Authorizing Electricity Autonomous or Paralela") in 1990. It regulates utility projects at private scale in Costa Rica.