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 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 changes and encourages competition, knowledge and research. It encourages global climate change mitigation. 66% are consumed in the transport sector. It is anticipated that the transportation sector will be entirely decarbonized by 2050. This will be possible by using renewable biofuels as well as green hydrogen.
Although Costa Rica is committed to a greener future, it does not always lead the way in environmental protection. Costa Rica established a Payments for Environmental Services Program (PES), which was designed to give farmers extra income in times of low production. 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 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. There were also identified several political priorities. In addition, the workshop discussed modeled 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 in support of Costa Rica's efforts to decarbonize. The project addressed the needs of both industry and government as well as civil society. It produced a comprehensive policy roadmap.
Costa Rica is home to high levels in rainfall and abundant geothermal resources. The country's electricity grid receives 17% of its energy from wind 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 is resilient enough to adapt for future situations.
Costa Rica has committed itself to a 100% Renewable Energy Project in its decarbonization campaign. The Institute for Sustainable Futures is responsible for the technical study of the project. It is part of the Technological University of Sydney. The Institute was instrumental in helping Costa Rica create a decarbonization roadmap. 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 also help Costa Rica generate the well-being of its population through social and economic development.
Costa Rica has made numerous policy changes in the last few years. The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica approved Law 7200 in 1990. It is known as "Ley Authorizing Electricity Autonomous or Paralela." It governs the private-scale utility projects of Costa Rica.