Nearly 99% of Costa Rica’s 2016 electrical energy production was from renewable sources. This is a sign that the country is committed to a sustainable and green future. In addition, Costa Rica boasts a vast supply of geothermal power and wind assets. 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 neutrality.
Costa Rica's National Development Plan encourages technological change, knowledge and competitiveness, and promotes research and knowledge. It also promotes actions against global climate change. 66% of hydrocarbons in the transportation sector are used. It is predicted that the transport sector will become completely decarbonized by 2050. This will be possible by using renewable biofuels as well as green hydrogen.
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. 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 designed to increase energy independence. ICE also owns a generation parc and has a steady process of gradually lowering the fee.
The second workshop was held from 3-4 October and incorporated a modeling exercise and capacity building training for Costa Rican civil society organizations. This allowed the identification and implementation of policies to improve rural economic development and reduce inequalities. Several political priority areas were identified as well. 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 created in support of Costa Rica's efforts to decarbonize. The project considered the needs of civil society, government, and industry. The project resulted in a policy roadmap.
Costa Rica is blessed with abundant sources of geothermal power and high rainfall. 17% of the country's electricity comes from wind, while 13.5% is generated from geothermal. The main challenge in decarbonization is the energy matrix which generates 80% the country's greenhouse gases emissions. Costa Rica's system is resilient enough to adapt for future situations.
Costa Rica has pledged to implement a 100% Renewable Energy Project as part of its efforts to decarbonize. 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 that will guide Costa Rica in its progress towards decarbonization. It also outlines a vision for a socially and environmentally sustainable future. The roadmap will help Costa Rica improve the quality of life for its citizens by promoting economic and social development.
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 Rican private-scale utilities projects.