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 is also home to a wealth of wind and geothermal power. The country has been a leader in renewable energy production over the past few years without relying on large manufacturing facilities. The government is actively working towards carbon neutrality.
Costa Rica's National Development Plan promotes technological changes and encourages competition, knowledge and research. It also promotes actions against global climate change. 66% are consumed in the transport sector. The transport sector is expected to be completely decarbonized by 2050. By producing renewable biofuels or green hydrogen, this will be possible.
Despite its commitment to a sustainable future, the country is not always on the forefront of protecting the environment. Costa Rica created a Payments for Environmental Services program (PES) in the 1990s to provide additional income for farmers during 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 meant to increase country's energy independence. ICE also has a generator park and continues to gradually lower its fees.
The second workshop took places from 3-4 Oktober and featured a modeling exercise and capacity-building training for Costa Rican civic society organizations. This enabled the identification of policy options to reduce inequalities, and to support rural economic development. A number of political priorities were also identified. In addition, the workshop discussed modeled 100% RE scenarios.
The World Future Council was involved in the project, as well as La Ruta del Clima from Costa Rica. 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 led to a comprehensive policy guide.
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 main challenges in decarbonization are the energy matrix, which generates 80% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. Costa Rica's system can adapt to changing circumstances, however.
Costa Rica has made a commitment to 100% renewable energy as part of its decarbonization efforts. The project's technical study is led by the Institute for Sustainable Futures, which is part of the Technological University of Sydney. The Institute has provided assistance to Costa Rica in developing a roadmap for decarbonization. The roadmap is a blueprint for Costa Rica's progress towards decarbonization and a vision for a future that is both socially and environmentally sustainable. 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 numerous policy changes in the last 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.