The country's commitment toward a green and sustainable future is evident by the fact that almost 99% (or nearly all) of its 2016 electrical energy output was generated from renewable sources. Costa Rica has large amounts of wind energy and geothermal electricity. Costa Rica has made significant progress in producing renewable energy over the last few years, without the need to rely heavily on its manufacturing infrastructure. The government is actively working towards carbon reduction.
Costa Rica's National Development Plan encourages technological change, knowledge and competitiveness, and promotes research and knowledge. It encourages global climate change mitigation. In the transportation sector, 66% of hydrocarbons are consumed. It is anticipated that the transportation sector will be entirely decarbonized by 2050. By producing renewable biofuels or green hydrogen, this will be possible.
Although Costa Rica is committed to a greener future, it does not always lead the way in environmental protection. Costa Rica created a Payments for Environmental Services program (PES) in the 1990s to provide additional income for farmers during unprofitable seasons. A net metering program was also implemented by the Institute of Energy of Costa Rica (ICE). This program promotes renewable energy. This program aimed to increase the country's energy independence. ICE also operates a generation park, and gradually reduces its fee.
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 allowed for the identification of policy solutions to reduce inequalities and to strengthen rural economic development. Numerous political priority areas were also identified. Also, the workshop 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 created in support of Costa Rica's efforts to decarbonize. The project considered the needs of civil society, government, and industry. 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.
As part of its decarbonization effort, Costa Rica has committed to a 100% Renewable Energy Project. 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 is a blueprint to guide Costa Rica's efforts towards decarbonization. The roadmap will help Costa Rica improve the quality of life for its citizens by promoting economic and social development.
Costa Rica also has implemented many policy reforms in recent years. The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica ratified Law 7200 (or "Ley Authorizing Electricity Autonomous or Paralela") in 1990. It regulates Costa Rican private-scale utilities projects.