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. Costa Rica also has a large supply of wind and geothermal energy. Costa Rica has become a pioneer in the production of renewable energy, and it does not rely on its large manufacturing sector. The government is actively working towards carbon neutrality.
Costa Rica's National Development Plan promotes technological change and encourages research, knowledge, and competitiveness. It encourages climate change action and promotes technological change. 66% is consumed by the transportation industry. It is anticipated that the transportation sector will be entirely decarbonized by 2050. This can be done by producing green hydrogen and renewable biofuels.
Despite the country's commitment to a green future, it is not always at the forefront of environmental protection. Costa Rica implemented a Payments for Environmental Services in 1990 to aid farmers who were struggling financially. The Institute of Energy (ICE), a country-wide institute of energy, implemented a net metering program in order to encourage renewable energy. This program was intended to increase the country’s energy independence. ICE also operates a generation park, and gradually reduces its fee.
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 enabled us to identify policy solutions that would reduce rural poverty and strengthen rural economic growth. A number of political priorities were also identified. Also, the workshop discussed 100% RE scenarios.
This project was a collaboration of the World Future Council with La Ruta del Clima, a Costa Rican civil society organisation. This initiative was created to assist Costa Rica in its pursuit of decarbonization goals. The project considered the needs of civil society, government, and industry. It created a comprehensive policy map.
Costa Rica has a lot of rain and geothermal energy. The country's electricity grid gets 17% of its power from wind energy 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 committed to a 100% Renewable Energy Project as part its decarbonization initiative. The Institute for Sustainable Futures of the Technological University of Sydney is leading the technical research for this project. The Institute helped Costa Rica develop a plan to decarbonize. The roadmap is a blueprint to guide Costa Rica's efforts towards decarbonization. It will also assist Costa Rica to improve its social and economic well-being.
Costa Rica has also implemented many policy changes over the past few years. Law 7200, or "Ley Authorizing Electricity Autonomous or Paralela," was approved by the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica in 1990. It regulates Costa Rica's private-scale utility project.