How is electricity used in Costa Rica?

Electricity can be generated in two main ways: by harnessing the heat from burning fuels or nuclear reactions in the form of steam (thermal power) or by capturing the energy of natural forces such as the sun, wind or moving water.

How many kW can a power plant produce in Costa Rica?

The power generation plants in Costa Rica can jointly produce 3.5 million kW. This is the average composi-tion of the Costa Rican matrix: The Energy Matrix is the total percentage of all natural resources from which energy is derived and then transformed into electricity to supply households, business and industries.

What is the energy matrix in Costa Rica?

The Energy Matrix is the total percentage of all natural resources from which energy is derived and then transformed into electricity to supply households, business and industries. In Costa Rica, ICE is in charge of managing and controlling this matrix through its National Control Center (CENCE) and the National Electric System (SEN).

How can Costa Rica increase the generation of low-carbon electricity?

To increase the generation of low-carbon electricity, Costa Rica can focus on expanding its wind energy installations, which already contribute significantly to the electricity mix. Wind technology can be scaled efficiently and suits Costa Rica's geographic and climatic attributes.

Which geothermal plant produces 100% of the energy in Costa Rica?

ICE produces 100% of the geothermal energy in the country. Las Pailas II Geothermal Plant. Biomass energy comes from organic waste; it can be agricultural or domestic. In Costa Rica, the main resource is the sugar cane bagasse generated by the cane refineries in Guanacaste.

What is Costa Rica's energy policy?

Costa Rica’s energy policy aims to move from a fossil fuels based energy system towards renewable energy sources and to expand its power generation capacity, replacing old power generating stations and developing new projects.